weeCam - DriverAgent

Transcription

weeCam
User Guide
License
Agreement
NOTICE TO END USER: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING LEGAL AGREEMENT CAREFULLY. USE OF
THE WEECAM, VIDEOGRAM CREATOR SOFTWARE OR ANY OF THE SOFTWARE PROVIDED WITH
THIS AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE
WITH THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, PROMPTLY RETURN THE WEECAM, VIDEOGRAM
CREATOR SOFTWARE, ANY RELATED SOFTWARE AND THE ACCOMPANYING ITEMS (INCLUDING
THE WEECAM VIDEO SYSTEM, WRITTEN MATERIALS AND CONTAINERS) TO THE LOCATION
WHERE YOU PURCHASED THEM FOR A FULL REFUND.
1.
License Grant. Licensor grants to you (either as an individual or an entity) a personal, nonexclusive,
nontransferable license to use one copy of the executable code of the Videogram Creator software on a
single CPU residing on your premises. The term of this Agreement will be for the duration of Licensor’s
copyright in the Videogram Creator software. You may assign your rights under this Agreement to a
third party who agrees in writing to be bound by this Agreement prior to the assignment, and provided
that you transfer all copies of the Videogram Creator software and related documentation to the third
party or destroy any copies not transferred. Except as set forth above, you may not assign your rights
under this Agreement, nor shall you rent, lease, sell, sublicense or otherwise transfer the Videogram
Creator software.
2.
Reverse Engineering. You may not reverse engineer, decompile or otherwise disassemble the
Videogram Creator software except to the extent that this restriction is expressly prohibited by
applicable law.
3.
Copyright. Title and full ownership rights to the Videogram Creator software will remain the
exclusive property of licensor, and you will not acquire any rights to the Videogram Creator software
except as expressly set forth above.
4.
Maintenance. Licensor is not obligated to provide maintenance or updates to you for the Videogram
Creator software. However, any maintenance or updates by Licensor shall be covered by the
Agreement.
5.
Disclaimer of Warranty. LICENSOR WARRANTS THAT THE VIDEOGRAM CREATOR AND RELATED
SOFTWARE WILL PERFORM SUBSTANTIALLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ACCOMPANYING
DOCUMENTATION AND DISKETTES ARE FREE FROM ANY PHYSICAL DEFECTS FOR A PERIOD OF
90 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE (“LIMITED WARRANTY”). EXCEPT FOR THE
FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY, LICENSOR EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND
NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS. IF SUCH DISCLAIMER OF ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY IS NOT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE DURATION OF ANY SUCH IMPLIED WARRANTIES
IS LIMITED TO 90 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE
DISCLAIMER OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY
LASTS, OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTAL DAMAGES, SO
SUCH LIMITATIONAS OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU
SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM
STATE TO STATE.
6.
Customer Remedies. In the event the weeCam and related software does not meet or conform to the
Limited Warranty, Licensor’s entire liability and your sole and exclusive remedy shall be, at Licensor’s
option, either to (a) correct the error, (b) help you work around or avoid the error or authorize a
refund so long as the documentation and diskettes are returned to Licensor with a copy of your receipt.
This Limited Warranty is void if failure of the has resulted from accident, abuse, or misapplication.
Any replacement of the weeCam and related software will be warranted for the remainder of the
original warranty period.
7.
No Liability for Consequential Damages. IN NO EVENT SHALL LICENSOR OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE
LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF
ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR USE OR INABILITY TO USE
THE VIDEOGRAM AND RELATED SOFTWARE, EVEN IF LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
8.
Export. You acknowledge that the laws and regulations of the United States restrict the export and
reexport of commodities and technical data of United States origin. You may not download or
otherwise export or re-export the Videogram or related software or any underlying information or
technology except in full compliance with all United States and other applicable laws and regulations.
You agree to indemnify and hold Licensor harmless from and against any and all liability arising from
or relating to your breach of this Section 6.
9.
U.S. Government Rights. The Videogram and related software are proprietary, commercial computer
software developed exclusively at private expense. If this product is acquired under the terms of a U.S.
Government contract, then, pursuant to 48 C.F.R. 12.212 or 48 C.F.R. 227.7202 as applicable, use,
duplication or disclosure of the Videogram Creator application by the Government is subject to the
restrictions of this License Agreement.
10. Severability. In the event of invalidity of any provision of this agreement, the parties agree that such
invalidity shall not effect the validity of the remaining portions of this agreement.
11. Governing Law; Attorneys’ Fees. This agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of
California without regard to conflict of laws principles. The United Nations Convention on Contracts
for the International Sale of Goods is specifically disclaimed. The prevailing party shall be entitled to
recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees in the event of a dispute arising out of or relating to this
Agreement.
12. Entire Agreement. This is the entire agreement between you and Licensor with respect to the use of the
Videogram Creator software which supersedes any prior agreement, whether written or oral, and all
other communications between the parties relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.
About
This
Manual
This manual covers the installation, usage and troubleshooting of the weeCam and
software. You will notice, to get up and running quickly, that a separate Quick Start
guide has been included. This manual should be used along with the Quick Start
guide and referenced when you need a more complete explanation.
In addition, on-line help is available inside the Videogram Creator application. A
“Read Me” file can be found in the program group where you install the Videogram
Creator software. If you install the Videogram Creator software to its default folder
then you may access this by clicking on “Start,” followed by “Programs,” then the
“weeCam” program group and finally click on “Read Me.” The “Read Me” file
contains information that was not available at the time this manual was created.
To save you time, at the beginning of each Chapter, please notice that there is a short
summary of what that Chapter covers. Also, an index and glossary are available
towards the end of this manual for quick reference. If you get stuck, please refer to
Chapter 11, “Frequently Asked Questions.” For more advanced uses, investigate
Chapter 10, “Advanced Features.” This chapter will help you optimize your system
for Videogram capture as well as assist you in creating Videograms for Internet
Websites.
Manual Conventions
Look for the following symbols to identify items of importance.
Requires Extra Attention
Helpful Tips
Valuable Information
Vital
○ ○ ○
SETTING
Important–These settings affect whether or not you see video.
T a b l e
O f
C o n t e n t s
Ta b l e O f
Contents
License Agreement ..................................................................................... 3
Vital ..................................................................................................... 4
About This Manual ................................................................................... 5
Manual Conventions ............................................................................. 5
Ta b l e O f C o n t e n t s
Table of Contents ....................................................................................... 7
Important Information .............................................................................. 13
Trademarks .............................................................................................. 13
1-Year Limited Warranty ..........................................................................14
Customer Support ..................................................................................... 15
Features .................................................................................................... 16
About Your weeCam ................................................................................. 16
Bundled Software ......................................................................................17
Videogram Creator .............................................................................. 17
C h a p t e r 1
B e f o r e Yo u B e g i n
Before You Begin ......................................................................................19
Check the Package Contents ..................................................................... 19
Minimum System Configuration ............................................................... 21
Optimum System Configuration ................................................................ 21
Safety Tips ...............................................................................................22
User
Guide
7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
C h a p t e r 2 S e t u p & I n s t a l l a t i o n
Setup & Installation.................................................................................. 23
Installing weeCam Unit ............................................................................ 24
STEP 1: Unplug Computer’s Power Cord .............................................. 24
STEP 2: Locate Available Parallel Port Adapter ................................... 24
STEP 3: Connect weeCam to the Parallel Port ...................................... 26
STEP 4: Add Power ............................................................................. 26
STEP 5: Position Unit And Adjust Angle ............................................... 27
STEP 6: Add a Sound Source ............................................................... 28
C h a p t e r 3 S o f t w a r e I n s t a l l a t i o n
Software Installation ............................................................................ 29
STEP 1: Re-Connect the Power ............................................................ 29
STEP 2: Turn On the System and Launch Windows 95/98/NT ............. 29
STEP 3: Insert CD-ROM ..................................................................... 29
STEP 4: Click the “Start” Button and then “Run” ............................... 30
STEP 5: Enter Program Name ............................................................. 30
STEP 6: Follow the Installer Directions ............................................... 31
weeCam Software on System .................................................................... 32
weeCam Program Group ..................................................................... 32
weeCam Setup Wizard ......................................................................... 33
C h a p t e r 4 V i d e o g r a m C r e a t o r S o f t w a r e
Videogram Creator Software .................................................................... 35
Opening the Videogram Creator application ............................................. 35
Video & Audio Settings ............................................................................ 37
Video Settings Control Panel ................................................................ 37
OK & CANCEL Buttons ...................................................................... 37
Format ..................................................................................................... 38
Quality ................................................................................................ 38
Size ..................................................................................................... 39
Vital .................................................................................................... 40
Adjust ....................................................................................................... 40
Setup ........................................................................................................ 42
Video ....................................................................................................... 43
Audio ....................................................................................................... 44
Capture Audio ..................................................................................... 44
Frequency ............................................................................................ 44
Size ..................................................................................................... 45
Channels .............................................................................................. 45
8
weeCam
T a b l e
O f
C o n t e n t s
Image ....................................................................................................... 46
Size .....................................................................................................46
Subject ................................................................................................. 47
Quality ................................................................................................ 47
The Main Window ...................................................................................48
File Menu Bar .......................................................................................... 49
File Menu ............................................................................................49
Edit Menu ........................................................................................... 49
Tools Menu .........................................................................................50
Help .................................................................................................... 50
Video Toolbar .......................................................................................... 51
Sound Toolbar .......................................................................................... 52
C h a p t e r 5
C r e a t i n g & S a v i n g V i d e o g r a m s
Creating & Saving Videograms ................................................................ 53
Videograms and AVI Video Files Compared .............................................. 53
3 Easy Steps for Video Creation ................................................................ 53
STEP 1 - Preview Video .......................................................................54
STEP 2 – Record & Play Video ............................................................ 55
STEP 3 – Send/Save a Videogram ........................................................56
Sending Videograms .......................................................................57
Saving Videograms ......................................................................... 58
Send Videogram Dialog Box Settings .............................................. 59
Helpful Hints for Sending Videograms ...................................................... 62
MIME versus UUencode .......................................................................62
Sending Videograms Without Attaching The Player ........................ 62
Configuring E-mail Programs as MAPI-Compliant .................................... 63
Using Videograms With Non-MAPI Email Programs ................................63
Sending Videograms with non-MAPI E-mail Programs ......................... 63
Receiving Videograms with a non-MAPI E-mail Program ....................64
C h a p t e r 6 P l a y i n g V i d e o g r a m s
Playing Videograms .................................................................................. 65
Under Windows 95/98/NT ........................................................................ 65
Under Windows 3.1x ................................................................................65
Streaming Videogram Player ....................................................................66
Playing Non-Executable Videogram Files ............................................. 66
User
Guide
9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
C h a p t e r 7 G r a b b i n g S n a p s h o t I m a g e s
Grabbing Snapshot Images ....................................................................... 71
Capturing a Snapshot ............................................................................... 71
STEP 1: Preview Video ........................................................................ 72
Live Video ...................................................................................... 72
STEP 2: Grab Still ............................................................................... 72
Live Video ...................................................................................... 73
STEP 3: View the Bit Mapped Image ................................................... 73
STEP 4: Save and Send ........................................................................ 74
Grabbing Snapshot Images from Pre-Recorded Video ................................ 75
Picturegram .............................................................................................. 75
C h a p t e r 8 A d d i n g N a r r a t i o n & A u d i o
Adding Narration & Audio ....................................................................... 77
Add Live Sound ........................................................................................ 77
Record Audio or Narration .................................................................. 77
Add Pre-Recorded Sound ........................................................................... 78
STEP 1: Select Insert Audio under the Edit menu .................................. 78
STEP 2: Select an Audio File to Insert .................................................. 78
C h a p t e r 9 U s i n g V i d e o g r a m s
Using Videograms .................................................................................... 79
Sending with E-Mails ............................................................................... 79
Family ................................................................................................. 79
Salespeople .......................................................................................... 79
Business Consultants ............................................................................ 79
Training .............................................................................................. 80
Internet Sites ........................................................................................ 80
Using In Presentations ............................................................................... 80
Presenters ............................................................................................ 80
Adding Videograms To Presentation Software ...................................... 80
Stand-Alone Videogram Presentations .................................................. 81
10
weeCam
T a b l e
O f
C o n t e n t s
C h a p t e r 1 0 A d v a n c e d F e a t u r e s
Advanced Features .................................................................................... 83
Video Streaming ....................................................................................... 83
Standard Internet File Download .......................................................... 83
With Videogram Streaming .................................................................83
Adding Videograms To Internet Sites ........................................................84
Optimizing System for Video Capture & Playback ...................................85
Video Capture Optimization ................................................................ 85
What Happens When Capturing Video ............................................85
Parallel Port Recommendations ....................................................... 86
Processor, Hard Disk & Controller Recommendations ..................... 86
Video Playback Optimization ..............................................................87
When Playing Back Video ............................................................... 87
System Recommendations ............................................................... 88
Graphics Card Recommendations ................................................... 89
C h a p t e r 1 1 F r e q u e n t l y A s k e d Q u e s t i o n s
Frequently Asked Questions ...................................................................... 91
Features .................................................................................................... 99
Minimum System Requirements* ..............................................................99
C h a p t e r 1 2 S p e c i f i c a t i o n s
Specifications ........................................................................................... 99
Bundled Software .................................................................................... 100
Input ....................................................................................................... 100
Capture Video Format ............................................................................ 100
Capture Audio Format ............................................................................ 100
Output Captured Video and Image Format ............................................. 100
Input Video and Image Format ............................................................... 100
User
Guide
11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A p p e n d i x A
V i d e o C o m p r e s s i o n Te c h n o l o g y
Video Compression Technology .............................................................. 101
Video Compression ................................................................................. 101
Video Capture Codec ......................................................................... 101
Video Delivery Codecs - For Videogram and Picturegram Creation .... 101
Speech and Audio Codecs - Synergistic Compression Elements ........... 102
Compression Technology Comparison ................................................ 102
Player Technology .................................................................................. 103
Applications ........................................................................................... 104
In Summary ............................................................................................ 104
G l o s s a r y O f Te r m s
Glossary of Terms .................................................................................. 105
I n d e x
Index ...................................................................................................... 107
12
weeCam
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Copyright © 1997-99 Alaris, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Document Number: MAN-0000-004700
No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, transcribed or translated into another language, in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, or otherwise, without the prior
written consent of manufacturer.
Manufacturer reserves the right to revise this document and make changes in the
specifications of the product described herein at any time without notice and without
obligation to notify any person of any such revision or change. Manufacturer makes
no warranty, expressed, implied or statutory concerning this document nor does it
make any commitment to update the information contained in this document.
MANUFACTURER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE ACQUISITION, USE
OR SALE OR OTHER TRANSFER, PERMITTED OR OTHERWISE, IN THIS
DOCUMENT.
Important
Information
Videos and images that you may capture using this product may be protected by
copyright. Unauthorized use of this material may violate copyright laws. Manufacturer is not responsible for the unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
Trademarks
Videogram is a registered trademark of Alaris, Inc.
Microsoft, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT and Microsoft Office are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective holders.
User Guide
13
INTRODUCTION
1-Year
Limited
Warranty
NOTICE: THE MANUFACTURER REGISTRATION CARD, INCLUDED WITH THE weeCAM PRODUCT,
MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO MANUFACTURER BEFORE THIS WARRANTY WILL BECOME
EFFECTIVE. IF THIS IS MISSING, PLEASE CONTACT MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY FOR A REPLACEMENT.
Manufacturer warrants to the original end user purchaser (“End User”) of weeCam (the “Product”) that is
purchased from an authorized Manufacturer Reseller that the Product will be free from defects in materials
and workmanship for a period of one (1) year for hardware, and ninety (90) days for magnetic and optical
media under normal use. Any warranties implied by law are only effective for the duration of the
Warranty Period. This limited warranty does not cover the results of accident, abuse, neglect, improper
testing, vandalism, acts of God, use contrary to specifications or instructions, or repair or modification by
anyone other than Manufacturer or Manufacturer’s authorized agents. MANUFACTURER SHALL HAVE
NO OBLIGATION UNDER THIS WARRANTY, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATION AS TO, PRODUCTS
WHICH HAVE BEEN MISUSED OR MODIFIED BY THE CUSTOMER.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may
not apply to you.
MANUFACTURER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY
WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
MERCHANTABILITY AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY OTHER
WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION CONCERNING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT. CUSTOMER SHALL HAVE NO RIGHT TO MAKE OR PASS ON ANY SUCH WARRANTY ON BEHALF OF
MANUFACTURER TO ANY THIRD PARTY.
If the Product does not conform to the foregoing warranty, End User may, at its own risk and expense,
return the allegedly defective Product to the Authorized Manufacturer Reseller from whom End User
purchased the Product during the Warranty Period. In order to do so, Customer must first notify the
Authorized Manufacturer Reseller in writing of the alleged defect and request a return material authorization (“RMA”) number. Within five (5) days of its receipt of the RMA number, End User shall ship the
allegedly defective Product to the Authorized Manufacturer Reseller, freight prepaid, and shall include a
notation of the RMA number, sufficient information to identify the original purchase order and a brief
statement explaining the alleged defect. Any Product returned to the Authorized Manufacturer Reseller
without an authorized RMA number may be returned to End User, freight collect. The authorized Manufacturer Reseller will forward the Product to Manufacturer. Upon receipt of the Product, Manufacturer, at its
option, will (i) repair or replace the Product and ship the repaired or replaced Product to the Authorized
Manufacturer Reseller at Manufacturer’s expense and risk or (ii) refund the purchase price paid by the End
User. If Manufacturer determines that any returned Product is free from defects as warranted hereunder,
Manufacturer will return the Product to the Authorized Manufacturer Reseller at End User’s expense and
risk, along with a written statement setting forth the basis for Manufacturer’s conclusion that the returned
Product was not defective, and End User agrees to pay Manufacturer’s reasonable costs of handling and
testing. The right to return Products extends only to the original End User purchaser of the Product, and
Manufacturer will not accept returns from anyone other than the original End User. The right to return the
Product shall not apply to any misused or modified Product. Customer may obtain further information on
warranty performance by calling Manufacturer’s Customer Service Department. THE REMEDIES
PROVIDED HEREIN ARE END USER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY
BY MANUFACTURER OR BREACH OF CONTRACT. IN NO EVENT SHALL MANUFACTURER BE LIABLE
FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTAL DAMAGES THAT CUSTOMER MAY SUFFER DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
also have other rights which vary from State to State.
14
weeCam
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Customer Support
Though unlikely, if problems arise with the weeCam that you are unable to resolve,
please try the following:
1 Consult Chapter 11, located towards the end of this manual, for answers to
“Frequently Asked Questions.”
2 If you have an Internet connection, visit our Web site for any software or product
updates.
3 If you still cannot resolve the problem, contact us at one of the numbers or
addresses listed on the insert in the Quick Start Guide. Be sure to have the
following information available when you call:
❚
The version of the software you are using. This can be found by going to the
help menu and pulling down the About Videogram Creator box.
❚
A description of the computer system used for installation and, more specifically (if available):
w
w
Type of Parallel Printer Ports (ECP, Bi-Directional or Uni-Directional)
IRQ and DMA address of these ports
❚
A description of the steps that led to the problem
❚
If any error messages appeared, verbatim descriptions of those error messages
❚
Information on any other documentation for the system that you believe will
be helpful
We are dedicated to providing you the highest-quality support. E-mailing our tech
support will give you the chance to document each of the above items in a very clear
and concise manner and will enable our support team to respond with a thoroughlyresearched answer.
User Guide
15
INTRODUCTION
About
Your
weeCam
Your weeCam is the easiest way to capture and send video from your desktop or
laptop computer. The weeCam, along with Videogram Creator Software, incorporates
the latest in video capture and playback technology into a high quality, compact video
camera. With the weeCam you can capture full-motion video at resolutions up to
320X240 (CIF Standard) and frame rates up to 30 frames per second through the
parallel port. There is no need to open your computer to enhance all your communications with video, quickly and easily. And you can also capture high resolution still
images.
Features
❚
640 x 480 pixel resolution color
CMOS sensor
❚
Fast f/2.0 aperture, 4.8 mm lens with
48 degree view
❚
Variable focus lens with focus range
of 1/2 inches to infinity
❚
Auto brightness and hue controls
❚
Software control of saturation, white
and black levels
❚
Video input to any Windows 95/98/
NT PC with a Bi-directional Parallel
Port
❚
Live video preview and capture at up
to 16.7 million colors
❚
Supports video resolutions of 320 x
240, 240 x 180 and 160 x 120
❚
Video capture frame rates to 30
frames per second
❚
24 bit still image capture at resolutions of 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768,
640 x 480, 320 x 240
16
❚
6 foot Parallel Port connection cable
with separate pass through keyboard
power adapter – no external power
adapter required
❚
Designed to sit on the desktop or on
top of your monitor
❚
Non-slip weighted base for easy
aiming and focus adjustments
❚
Standard tripod mount
❚
Video for Windows driver works
with popular video editing and video
conferencing software
❚
Real time video compression
hardware supporting proprietary
VGPixel video compression algorithm
❚
IEEE1284 level 2 compliant with
Nibble and ECP support
weeCam
INTRODUCTION
Bundled
Software
Videogram Creator
The Videogram Creator software allows you to compress captured video files, embed
the Videogram Player inside the file, and play it back on any Windows 3.1x, Windows
95, Windows 98 or Windows NT system without installing the Player on the target
system. This makes it perfect for sending Videograms through e-mail. The compression is so great that a 1-minute Videogram with the Player fits on a standard, 31/2 inch, 1.44MB floppy disk.
❚
When to Use Videograms
Videograms are perfect for any situation where you want to share more than just
words or you want to share the experience in person but can’t—birthdays; thank
you messages; a child’s first steps or words; a motivational speech; a sales call; a
product demonstration. You can attach Videograms to email messages, post them
to Websites, or create them so that others can stream the Videogram from your
Website in real-time. See Chapter 9 for more ideas and examples.
17
weeCam
INTRODUCTION
18
weeCam
C h a p t e r
1
B e f o r e Yo u
Begin
This chapter provides a checklist of items you need to ensure a smooth installation
including a section on general safety. Before installation, make sure that your weeCam
was shipped complete (“Package Contents”) and then verify that your system meets
the minimum requirements (“System Requirements”).
Check
the
Package
Contents
Please check your weeCam package for the items shown below.
o weeCam Unit - The weeCam attaches to the parallel port of your PC and remains
outside the computer. There is no need to open your computer to use the
weeCam. You have everything you need to begin digitizing (or capturing) video
into your computer.
weeCam
Unit
o PS/2 or AT Power Adapter - This adapter is used to connect power from the
keyboard port on your computer to the parallel port cable.
PS/2 or AT
Power Adapter
User Guide
19
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
o Quick Start Guide - Use this if you are familiar with computer peripheral installations and want to get up and running quickly.
Quick Start Guide
o Warranty Card - This activates your 1-year warranty. Complete and return within
30 days from the sales receipt date and you’ll be protected under the limited
warranty described earlier in this manual.
Warranty Card
o weeCam Bundled Software (CD-ROM) - Install the weeCam Videogram Creator
Software and the electronic User Guide.
CD-ROM
20
weeCam
C h a p t e r
Minimum
System
1
Configuration
This section itemizes what is required and recommended for installation of your
weeCam and related software. It is assumed that you already have a computer,
monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc...
Your system must meet or exceed the following minimum requirements to use the
weeCam and related software:
❚
❚
❚
Windows 95, 98 or Windows NT
Pentium 100MHz or faster PC
Bi-directional Parallel Port (ECP Parallel Port for optimal performance)
NOTE: Your weeCam is backwards compatible and supports standard Bi-directional
Parallel Printer Ports. Please take a look at the “Read Me” document inside the
weeCam program group for additional information.
❚
❚
❚
❚
16MB RAM
AT keyboard or PS/2 mouse/keyboard port for use with weeCam power adapter
(keyboard or mouse plugs into the power adapter provided)
20MB of free hard disk space (video files may require more disk space)
CD-ROM drive for application software and drivers
Optimum System Configuration
A more optimum system configuration for using the weeCam might be:
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
Windows 95, 98 or Windows NT with no other video capture devices installed
Pentium 200MHz or faster PC
An available ECP parallel printer port
32MB RAM
AT keyboard or PS/2 mouse/keyboard port
High Speed Hard Drive Controller & Drive(s)
40MB of free hard disk space
CD-ROM drive for application software and drivers
A Windows sound system or SoundBlaster-compatible audio capability with
speakers and microphone
NOTE: This product is not MAC compatible
Additional information regarding system optimization for video capture and playback
can be found in Chapter 10, “Advanced Features”.
Safety
User Guide
Tips
21
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Before you install this product, be sure to safeguard yourself, your computer system
and the weeCam. It is recommended that you follow these precautions in addition to
any precautions you may have found in other documents for your computer.
❚
Shut down and disconnect system power prior to plugging and unplugging
connectors.
❚
Do not plug an excessive amount of devices into a power outlet and do not run
more than one power strip off any outlet.
❚
Do not submerge the weeCam in water or any liquid.
❚
If you find it necessary to clean the case of the weeCam unit, be sure to use a dry,
nonabrasive cloth.
❚
Use only approved and certified parts and accessories specifically made for the
weeCam.
❚
On rare occasions, some installations of the weeCam may require opening the
system itself to install a compatible ECP parallel printer port card (obtained from
local computer store). If you find this necessary, be careful of the sharp edges
inside the computer and note the safety instructions of the product you are
installing.
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Setup &
Installation
This chapter walks you through the installation and setup process for your weeCam
unit. Some of the diagrams in this section may look different than your system. This
user guide is designed to be used along with any existing documentation that you have
collected for your computer.
The following diagram is an overview of all the wiring connections for weeCam.
Overview of all wiring connections
User Guide
23
SETUP & INSTALLATION
Installing
1
weeCam
Unit
STEP 1: Unplug Computer’s Power Cord
Shut down your computer and remove the cord connecting the computer to the power
outlet or power strip.
This will protect you, your computer system and the weeCam during installation.
2
STEP 2: Locate Available Parallel Port Adapter
A Parallel Port adapter can easily be confused with a COM Port. Use the following
illustrations to identify the “CORRECT ADAPTER.”
USE THIS:
NOT THIS:
Do not try to convert the “INCORRECT ADAPTER” (AKA: COM port) using an
additional adapter, this connection will not work with the weeCam Unit. It carries
different electronic information than an actual Parallel Printer Port. Many manufacturers are using the smaller, 9-pin version of this connector in an effort to make
computers more user-friendly.
As described in the minimum system requirements, you must have an available ECP
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Parallel Printer Port. Uni-directional Parallel Printer Ports will not work and standard
Bi-directional Parallel Printer Ports require extra steps to install as noted in Chapter 3
titled “Software Installation.”
weeCam with Parallel Port cable
User Guide
25
DO NOT CONNECT THE weeCAM’S POWER ADAPTER PRIOR TO COMPLETING STEP 3, AS FOLLOWS:
3
STEP 3: Connect weeCam to the Parallel Port
Connecting to Parallel Printer Port
4
STEP 4: Add Power
The setup for adding power with an AT keyboard is different than for a PS/2 keyboard. Be sure to verify your keyboard type before proceeding.
A The PS/2 or AT power adapter is the key to properly connecting the weeCam to
your computer. Flip between the PS/2 connector end or the AT connector end
depending on your keyboard connection type.
PS/2 or AT Power Adapter
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B Follow the diagram below for connecting the weeCam to the keyboard port on the
back of your computer.
5
STEP 5: Position Unit And Adjust Angle
The overall position of the camera and lighting will greatly effect the quality of your
captured video. Try to place the camera about eye level and within about three feet of
the subject. Direct as much lighting as possible toward the subject, optimally the main
light source should be pointing toward the subject’s face from a few feet above and
partly to one side.
Positioning unit
User Guide
27
6
STEP 6: Add a Sound Source
Videograms always make for a better presentation with sound. However, sound is not
required to create video. The weeCam does not directly connect to any sound source.
For this you will need a sound card as described in “Recommended System Requirements.”
Use the following illustration to assist you in connecting a sound source to your
system’s sound card (not included):
Connecting a Sound Source to Sound Card
Your audio equipment and sound card may look different than this example. If so,
you may want to reference the manuals for that equipment.
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3
Software
Installation
This Chapter describes installation of the weeCam software, including the Videogram
Creator and Player software. Due to the true 32-bit nature of the software, the
installation will only work under Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT.
1
STEP 1: Re-Connect the Power
During the hardware setup, we instructed you to unplug the computer system from
the wall outlet or power strip. If you did this, please plug the system’s power back
in.
2
STEP 2: Turn On the System and Launch Windows 95/98/NT
Turn on your computer system in the normal manner. Windows 95/98/NT will boot
automatically if it is installed to its default configuration.
If the system does not power on, make sure no connections came loose during
installation of the weeCam. If something is loose, reconnect it and try powering on
again. Be sure to pay special attention to the monitor and power cords—check to see
that they are still connected to the back of the computer and/or plugged in to the
power strip.
3
STEP 3: Insert CD-ROM
Place the weeCam CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive (typically D:) referred to as X:
for the remainder of these steps. If your copy of Windows 95/98/NT supports Auto
Play, the dialog box in Step 6 will automatically appear in a few seconds. Otherwise,
proceed to Step 4.
User Guide
29
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
4
STEP 4: Click the “Start” Button and then “Run”
Windows Start Bar
5
STEP 5: Enter Program Name
In the Dialog box that appears, type the following:
Windows Run Dialog Box
Remember which drive you put the CD-ROM into in STEP 3. Replace X: with that
drive letter or you may receive an error.
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3
STEP 6: Follow the Installer Directions
The following dialog box will appear. If nothing happens, restart your system and try
it again. If it still doesn’t work make sure the drive works by trying another CD.
You can find the latest software releases and updates at our Web site.
Follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
User Guide
31
weeCam
Software
on
System
Once you have finished installing the software, two new groups and icons will be
created for you. You may access them by clicking on the “Start” Button and checking
the “Programs” folder.
weeCam Program Group
weeCam Program Group Window
Videogram Creator - Application to easily capture and create Videograms.
weeCam Setup Wizard - Walks you through the installation and set-up of your
weeCam, including properly configuring your parallel port.
Read Me - Text file that contains the latest release updates.
Getting Started - File in Web browser format with links to useful information.
weeCam Electronic User Guide - Online User Guide in Adobe Acrobat format.
Uninstall Videogram Creator - Application to remove weeCam software from
computer.
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Configure for NetMeeting - Application to configure Microsoft NetMeeting to use
your weeCam in the most optimal settings.
Videogram Player - Standalone player that is installed on the system hard drive and
allows for the creation and sending of Videgrams without a player built into the file.
The Videgram Player is ideal for use by frequent receivers of Videograms as it speeds
file downloading and reduces the total file size.
weeCam Setup Wizard
You will need to re-start Windows 95/98/NT for the installation to take effect. After
re-starting Windows 95/98/NT for the first time following installation, the weeCam
Setup Wizard will automatically appear and guide you through the setup process for
your weeCam.
The Setup Wizard will determine how your parallel port is configured. The port should
be configured as an ECP or Bi-directional port for weeCam to work.
User Guide
33
Next, the Wizard will help you configure the video adjustments on your weeCam.
Then, the Wizard will help you configure the audio on your weeCam.
Enter Internet settings, then you’re ready to begin recording with weeCam.
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4
Videogram
Creator Software
This Chapter discusses the Videogram Creator software. With the Videogram Creator
software you can begin capturing, creating, and sending Videograms. This Chapter
will explain the different aspects and features of this software, and will show you how
to adjust settings to create the best Videograms with your system.
Vital settings that control whether or not you see video are described in this section,
so it’s worth reading. These settings are labeled with the Vital Setting tag.
Opening
the
Videogram
Creator
application
To access this application click on the “Start” button and then “Programs,”
“weeCam” and finally click on the “Videogram Creator” icon (as shown below).
Launching the Videogram Creator Application
Provided the weeCam unit and the Videogram Creator software were properly setup,
as described in Chapters 2 & 3, this will bring up the Videogram Creator application.
See page 47 for a diagram of the Videogram Creator interface.
User Guide
35
VIDEOGRAM CREATOR SOFTWARE
If the system stops responding AND does not load the software then you should
check to make sure that your system meets the Minimum System Requirements and
double-check the connections from the system to the weeCam unit.
If the following message appears, then a valid sound card is NOT installed.
Error Message - No Sound
The weeCam captures sound by using an existing sound card in the system. If you do
not have a sound card, then simply click “OK” and ignore this message. Ignoring this
message does not affect video capture, however it will disable sound capability in the
Videogram Creator application.
Test your sound card with Microsoft “Sound Recorder” which comes with Windows
95/98/NT. Access this application under “Start”, then “Programs”, followed by
“Accessories”, “Multimedia”, then click on the “Sound Recorder” icon. If your
sound card is installed correctly this test will be successful, otherwise, contact the
sound card manufacturer for information on how to enable it under Windows 95/98/
NT.
weeCam may not support all sound cards. Usually, if your board works with
Microsoft “Sound Recorder” then it will also work with the weeCam and Videogram
Creator application.
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Video
&
Audio
4
Settings
Before you begin using the Videogram Creator, it’s important that you learn how to
control video and audio.
You may want to experiment with these settings later to optimize video capture for
your system. More information regarding “Optimizing System for Video Capture”
can be found in Chapter 10 located towards the end of this manual.
Video Settings Control Panel
From the Videogram Creator application, click on the “Edit” option on the menu bar
and select “Video Settings.” The following “Video Settings” control panel will appear.
Use the Tabs located across the top to access the different settings for video, audio and
image capture. This section is broken down into separate tabs to make the information easier to use.
Edit Menu
Video & Sound Settings Control Panel
OK & CANCEL Buttons
Standard
Windows
Buttons
These are found in a large number of Windows applications and they mean the same
thing here. When you’re done making changes, click OK to accept them and close the
“Video Settings” dialog box or click CANCEL to abort all changes and close the
dialog box.
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37
Format
Quality
Select one of these settings to make captured video look better or play faster.
Format Tab - Settings Control Panel
These settings tell the Videogram Creator software how much color and definition
information you would like in the video files you capture. Color and definition
combine to enhance the quality of the video files. High quality will produce the best
visual results; however, it does create larger files and puts greater demands on slower
systems.
❚
High Quality (YUV 4:2:2)–Select this option to maximize the quality of the video;
video files will take up more space on the hard drive by selecting this option (better
quality = more room needed to store video), but will contain more information to
bring out colors and definition.
❚
Medium Quality (YUV 9)–This option produces good-quality video with good
color and definition while consuming less disk space.
❚
Fast (VGPixel)––Select this option to capture video at a higher frame rate; color
and overall definition of the video will be less than the High or Medium settings.
This is your best choice for most Videograms and the default setting.
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Size
Select one of these options to adjust the size of the video captured.
Format Tab - Settings Control Panel
The size setting tells the Videogram Creator application how large or small the video
clip should be captured and displayed at. Larger video clips save more information on
the video captured and, as a result, create larger files that require higher-performance
systems to play smoothly. Size is determined by the number of pixels (the dots that the
computer uses to display images), and are the units of measurement for images. For
example, if a video clip is 160x120 it would be exactly 160 pixels from left to right
(horizontal) and 120 pixels from top to bottom (vertical).
❚
Normal—160x120
❚
Medium—240x180
❚
Large—320x240
❚
Other—Select this and, using the keyboard, type in the desired size; the smallest
setting available is 80x60 and the largest is 320x240
User Guide
39
Adjust
Move slider bars to change the way the video looks.
Vital
○ ○ ○
SETTING
Adjust Tab - Settings Control Panel
Change these settings if the video is too dark, too bright or the colors appear out of
balance.
❚
Hue - Affects spectrum of colors in video. Move the slider back and forth until the
colors appear to be natural for best results. This control can also be used to add
coloring effects to video.
❚
Contrast - Affects the contrast between the light and dark areas of the video.
Move the slider to the left to reduce contrast (make the colors more alike) and to
the right to increase the contrast (make the colors greater in difference).
❚
Saturation - Affects the richness of colors in the video. Move the slider to the left to
decrease the amount of color saturation and to the right to increase the overall
color saturation.
❚
Auto White Balance - Select this option to allow the camera to adjust the color
automatically.
Click the DEFAULT button (shown left) to return all options to the factory preset
settings.
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How to use the Auto White Balance feature
What is Auto White Balance?
Auto White Balance is a feature of the camera used to compensate for different lighting
environments. Each type of light source has a different color temperature, which
affects the color that the camera senses. The human eye uses a similar process to
correct for these differences. A white piece of paper appears more yellowish under
incandescent light, and with a blue tint under "cool" fluorescent light. The Auto
White Balance feature tries to correct this so that a white object always appears white
on your display.
Side effect of Auto White Balance
One potential problem with the Auto White Balance feature is that the camera may
over-compensate for the color that it "sees". If it is pointing at an object that is
predominantly red, it will try to adjust it so that it is not so red. The same thing would
happen to other colors as well. If your face should occupy most of the screen, the
image will gradually turn more blue and green. If you experience incorrect colors due
to over-compensation with the Auto White Balance feature, follow the procedure
below to calibrate the camera before recording your video.
How do I use this feature?
Auto White Balance is turned on, by default. This enables the camera to compensate
for different lighting conditions. To best use this feature, first, with Auto White
Balance enabled, click on the Preview button to view live video from the camera. Then
place a sheet of blank, white paper (letter size or larger) about 18" away from the
camera, covering the camera viewing area. Wait for about 30 seconds, then turn off
Auto White Balance. The camera has compensated for the light temperature effects,
and is now calibrated for your lighting environment. The color and hue can be further
adjusted if necessary. Repeat this procedure every time you start Videogram Creator.
User Guide
41
Setup
Change following options to setup video.
Setup Tab - Settings Control Panel
Indoor Light Frequency
Select 50Hz or 60Hz depending on the AC line frequency of your indoor light source.
Some indoor light sources such as fluorescent lights create lighting that is actually
blinking with the line frequency of the AC power source. If the camera is not adjusted
to be synchronized with this light source blinking frequency, a blinking video will be
created.
❚
50Hz - Set the camera to synchronize with 50Hz light source. Maximum frame
rate will be affected by this setting to less than or equal to 25 frames per second.
❚
60Hz - Default setting. Set the camera to synchronize with 60Hz light source.
Auto Exposure Setting
Select the type of lighting used.
❚
Normal - Default setting. The camera is using normal indoor lights.
❚
Bright - The camera is using bright light. For example, when the camera is using
outdoor lighting.
❚
Mirror - Select this option to display the video as mirror image.
❚
Back Light Compensation - Select this option if you are in front of a strong light
source.
❚
Incandescent Light - Select this option for incandescent, tungsten or halogen light
source.
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Video
Select one of these options to adjust the video capture speed.
Video - Settings Control Panel
Video is made up of many still frames (pictures). When these still pictures are viewed in
rapid succession, it creates a sense of motion. Speed is determined by how many
frames are displayed (or captured) each second. These options directly affect the file
size of the video capture and is dependent on the performance of the hard drive to
keep up with the frame rate.
❚
Fast - Large video file size captured at up to 30 frames per second, however, the
rate may vary depending on the system you are using and the frame size of the
video you are capturing.
❚
Normal - Default setting, creating moderate video file size captured at up to 15
frames per second.
❚
Slow - Select this option to capture video at up to 10 frames per second and to
conserve hard drive space.
❚
Other - Use this option to manually type in a frame rate between 1 to 30.
Some systems may require optimization, as described in Chapter 10, to successfully
capture at faster frame rates.
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43
Audio
Audio Tab - Settings Control Panel
These settings are only applicable to SYSTEMS WITH SOUND CARDS.
Capture Audio
This box must be checked to capture audio along with video.
Frequency
Select one of these options to choose the audio sampling frequency for sound capture.
Frequency
Options
This setting offers you the ability to balance sound quality with the size of your sound
file. A low frequency setting (8KHz) will produce lower sound quality in a much
smaller file size whereas a high frequency setting (44KHz) would mimic CD quality but
produce a much larger file size.
❚
8 kHz - Use this setting when small file size is a must.
❚
11 kHz - Default setting, this provides normal sound quality and minimal file size.
❚
22 kHz - Choose this option for good sound quality (larger file size).
❚
44 kHz - Select this when the highest quality sound is required and file size is not a
concern.
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Size
Select one of these options to indicate the resolution of the audio. Save more bits of
information to reproduce the highest possible quality. More bits means the captured
audio will also demand more on a systems performance and will make a captured file
size larger.
Size
Options
❚
8 bit - Select this option to make captured audio file smaller. Audio quality will be
reproduced with a minimum amount of information.
❚
16 bit - Choose this to capture the highest quality audio. The audio file will
contain the maximum amount of information and generate a larger file size than
the 8 bit option.
Channels
Change this setting to indicate whether the audio source is in one channel (mono,
one speaker) or two channels (stereo, two or more speakers). The Stereo setting has
a marginal impact on captured file size.
This setting should match the audio source connected to the sound card.
Channel
Options
❚
Mono - Delivers same audio information to all speakers; smaller file size.
❚
Stereo - Separates audio information into two different channels and delivers this
information to its respective speaker, left channel to left speaker and right
channel to the right speaker; larger capture file size and better system performance required.
Chapter 10 itemizes what is necessary to optimize a system’s performance to capture at
higher quality settings.
User Guide
45
Image
Image Tab - Settings Control Panel
Size
Select one of these options to indicate the size and quality of images (snapshots) you
capture.
Size Options
❚
320 x 240 - Default setting, creates images for use in Internet sites or other areas
where small file size is highly desired.
❚
640 x 480 - Great for slideshow presentations, select this option for good quality
and moderate file size.
❚
1024 x 768 - Approaching print quality, choose this setting for higher quality
snapshots (larger file size).
❚
1600 x 1200 - Print quality, select this option for the highest quality capture
(largest file size).
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Subject
Change this setting to eliminate motion blur in image capture or enhance the image
quality when capturing from still video.
Type
Options
❚
Motion Video - Select this option when capturing images from moving scenes
(such as sporting events). This setting will help take the blur out of the snapshot.
❚
Still Video - Choose this setting to optimize the still quality from video that does
not move or stationary objects in front of a stationary (not hand-held) camera.
Quality
Select on one of the settings to gain better image resolution or to save file size in
snapshots.
Quality
Options
These options directly affect the quality (depth, resolution) in snapshots and capture
speed. The higher the Quality setting, the better the image will appear. Subsequently, higher Quality settings will result in a little more time to compress the
snapshot file.
❚
Normal - Default setting, select this for faster compression time with acceptable
image quality.
❚
Medium - Choose this option for better quality snapshots and moderate compression speed.
❚
High - Use this setting when compression speed is not an issue and the highest
possible quality is required.
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47
The
Main
Window
This section explains the user interface of the Videogram Creator software.
Featuring a standard title bar used by all Windows applications, this not only informs
you that you’re looking at the “Videogram Creator” application but also provides the
status of the application. For example, if you’ve already captured video and it’s
playing, this title bar will inform you that it is in PLAYBACK mode. Below the title
bar are menu items. Respectively from left to right, “Files”, “Edit”, “Tools” and
“Help.”
On the left side of the Window are the steps necessary to preview, capture and save or
send your Videogram files. You can click on these areas, or use the control bar at the
bottom (shown below).
TITLE BAR
FILE
MENU
PREVIEW
VIDEO
BUTTON
VIDEO
WINDOW
RECORD
VIDEO
BUTTON
SEND
VIDEOGRAM
BUTTON
TOOL
BAR
Videogram Creator Application
STATUS AREA
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File
Menu
4
Bar
The file menu, as found in many standard Windows applications, is a more standardized way to launching many of the same functions found in the on-screen buttons.
File Menu
This menu provides controls for opening, saving and exiting the program.
❚
Open…–Opens dialog box to open video or image files
❚
Open Last–Opens the last video file
❚
Open Test Pattern–Opens a test pattern image that shows a range of color and
gray scales to adjust your display.
❚
Save As…–Opens dialog box to save the current snapshot or video clip. Use this
to save video in the .AVI format and snapshots in the .BMP, .JPG, .PCX, or .TIF
formats.
❚
Recent File–The most recent video or image file opened. You can see several files
here.
❚
Play Videograms – Plays the most recently created Videograms.
❚
Exit–Closes the Videogram Creator application
File Menu
Edit Menu
Here you’ll find sound and video settings.
Edit Menu
❚
Go to In Mark*—Jumps to marked In-point in the selected video
❚
Go to Out Mark*—Jumps to marked Out-point in the selected video
❚
Clear In-Out Marks*—Removes all marked In and Out points in the selected video
❚
View Bitmap**—Opens a separate image-viewing window to view and inspect
(with zoom feature) image captured.
❚
Insert Audio**—Adds an existing sound file (.WAV) to the captured image or
video clip
❚
Video Settings—Opens the video, audio, and image-capture setting controls
❚
Preferences—Opens a dialog box to set default file location and size for video
captures, file location for image captures, and count down counts for video and
image captures. You can also set Internet modem speed for optimal Videogram
creation.
❚
Properties—Gives you information on the video in the display window.
* Only active after video has been captured
** Only active after a still image has been captured
User Guide
49
Tools Menu
This menu provides tools for sound and video.
Tools Menu
❚
Volume Control—Launches the sound mixer for sound card
❚
Videogram Player—Launches the Videogram Player application
Help
This menu provides important information about the application.
Help Menu
❚
Help Topics—Displays the Videogram Creator online Help Table of Contents
❚
User Guide—Launch the electronic User Guide and Adobe Acrobat Reader
❚
About Videogram Creator—Company information, application name and version
number
Make sure you have the latest version of the software by checking your version
number in the About Videogram Creator dialog box and then visiting our Web site.
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Video
4
Toolbar
The video toolbar is a set of easily identifiable buttons that give you complete
control over video and sound. These buttons are as follows:
Record Video—Activates video and sound capture.
Play—Active only after video has been captured, this button allows you to view the
motion video clip and hear the sound you captured.
Pause—Active only after a video is playing, this button stops the playing video and
sound clip at a specific point; clicking again will playback the video/sound clip at
the point it was stopped.
Stop—Active only after a video is playing, this button ceases the playback of the video
and sound clip.
Rewind—Active only after a video clip has been captured, hold button down for fast
rewind, click button once to move the video clip back one frame at a time.
Fast Forward—Active only after a video clip has been captured, hold button down
for fast forward, click button once to move the video clip forward one frame at a
time.
Slider Control—Active only after a video clip has been captured, this displays the
current position of the video/sound clip and allows users to move to different points
within the clip by clicking and dragging the slider handle; left = backward, right =
forward. Click once to either the left or right side of the slider handle to move the
clip one frame at a time either backward or forward respectively.
Mark In—Referred to as “trim in” in professional systems, this button controls the
starting point for saving of the video clip; more detailed information on its use can be
found in Chapter 10 titled “Advanced Features.”
Mark Out—Referred to as “trim out” in professional systems, this button controls
the ending point for saving of the video clip; more detailed information on its use can
be found in Chapter 10 titled “Advanced Features.”
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Grab Still—This button freezes the video image as a photograph that can be saved as a
BMP file. Refer to Chapter 7, “Grabbing Snapshot Images” for more information on
its use.
Record Audio—Activates audio-only capture and brings up a new tool bar as
described in the next section.
Sound
Toolbar
Click the Record Audio button (
) in the Video Tool Bar to launch the Sound Tool Bar.
A sound card (not included) must be properly setup to access this area of the application.
Sound Tool Bar
Many of these buttons are similar to the video buttons. However, they are applicable
only to audio rather than video and audio. The buttons are as follows:
Record Audio – Activates sound capture.
Recording Volume Control – Changes the level for the input audio source.
Left & Right Status – Shows the audio levels for the left (L) and right (R) channels.
Back To – Takes you back to the Video Toolbar, with the Record Video/Grab Still
buttons.
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5
Creating &
Saving Videograms
This Chapter walks you through capturing, saving and playing back both
Videograms and standard Microsoft video (.AVI) files.
Videograms
and
AVI
Video
Files
Compared
The difference between Videograms and AVI Video files is size. Microsoft .AVI Video
files serve as the base file format for Videograms. Videograms dramatically compress
the AVI files into substantially smaller, self-executing, video files.
Videograms can be created with or without a built-in player. Creating a Videogram
with a built-in player produces an executable (.EXE) Videogram file that can be viewed
by simply clicking on the file. Creating a Videogram without a built-in player produces
a non-executable Videogram (.VGM) that can be viewed with the Videogram Player
Application (described in following Chapter).
Before you start capturing make sure the weeCam is positioned correctly, and there’s
plenty of lighting (see Chapter 2, Step 5).
3
Easy
Steps
for
Video
Creation
Capturing and creating a Videogram is as easy as one-two-three.
Launch the Videogram Creator application. Click on the “Start” button followed
immediately by “Programs” and open the “weeCam” folder. Next, click on the
Videogram Creator application. If this application does not start, go back to Chapter
4 and verify that the software and driver settings are correct.
Please notice that there are three large buttons conveniently located on the left side of
the application screen. They are labeled PREVIEW, RECORD, and SEND.
Each of these buttons represent a step in the process of creating and saving video files.
Follow along as we walk through these steps to create a video file of your own.
User Guide
53
CREATING & SAVING VIDEOGRAMS
STEP 1 - Preview Video
When you first open the Videogram Creator application you will be in the “Preview”
mode. In the “Preview” mode, video displays from the weeCam.
Videogram Creator Window
If video is not displayed when you click on the preview button AND all the connectors
are tightly plugged in, then go back to Chapter 4 and make sure that all of the Vital
Settings are correctly set.
ADVANCED
In this mode you’ll want to check the quality of the video. Settings used to change the
way the video looks are described in Chapter 4. Now is the time to correct these
settings before continuing to Step 2. Also make minor adjustments to the position or
angle of the camera and adjust the overall lighting if needed.
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STEP 2 – Record & Play Video
After you have previewed the video and adjusted your settings, click on the “Record”
button (shown left). This button sets up the video capture mode. Notice after clicking
this button that the following Recording Count Down will appear:
Recording Count Down
When the “1” disappears, the system begins recording video (you can adjust the
length of the countdown by selecting the “Edit” menu, then “Preferences”). In the
lower section of the Videogram Creator software window a display is constantly
informing you how many frames have been captured and how many (if any) have
been dropped.
To stop recording video, simply click the left mouse button or hit the ESC key on the
keyboard.
After recording, the first frame of the video clip is displayed. Locate the Tool Bar at the
bottom of the video window and click on the Play button (shown left). This button
works just like the Play button on your VCR. The other buttons are used to represent STOP, REWIND, PLAY, FAST FORWARD and PAUSE.
ADVANCED
Dropping frames is normal and will vary from system to system depending on the
system performance, as well as the type and size of video being captured. Experiment
with different settings as described in Chapter 4, you can improve the system performance and drop fewer frames. However, the real judge is your eyes.
If the system is dropping too many frames, check out the “Optimizing System for
Capture and Playback” in Chapter 10. This itemizes what is necessary to improve
system performance.
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STEP 3 – Send/Save a Videogram
Once you’ve captured your video, click on the “Send” button (shown at left) to begin
actually making a Videogram. This brings up the Send Videogram dialog box.
Send Videogram Dialog Box
Type the name of your Videogram in the Videogram Title box. The rest of the settings
can be left at the defaults, or you can read more about them under “ADVANCED”
starting on page 59. Now you have the choice of Sending or Saving the Videogram.
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Sending Videograms
To send your Videogram via e-mail, click on the “Send” button on the lower left. The
first screen you will see is the one that shows the Videogram being created. In this step
the file is being compressed and the player is being embedded within the file. The
second screen shows the completed Videogram file size and the estimated time it will
take to send the file.
If you don’t have a MAPI (Messaging Application Programming Interface)-compliant email program (see Chapter11-FAQs), first save the Videogram to a file (see saving
Videograms below), then start the e-mail program and include the Videogram file to email as an attachment.
Once the Videogram is created, an e-mail window will appear (in this example, the
window is from Microsoft Exchange). Simply type in the e-mail address of your
recipients, the file is already attached.
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Saving Videograms
An alternative to sending the Videogram directly is to Save the Videogram. This allows
you to post the Videogram to a Webpage, send it out using an e-mail system that is
not MAPI-compliant, copy it to a floppy disk, etc.
To save a Videogram, click on the “Save” button second from the lower left. This
begins the compression process, where the Videogram is created. You will see the
following two screens.
Next you will be prompted to name the Videogram file and identify where it should be saved.
Save As Dialog Box
The file type will be a self-running executable (.EXE) file if you checked “Add Player to
Videogram” as described earlier in this section. If this setting was not checked, the file
type will be a standard player-less Videogram (.VGM) file.
Type in a file name and click on the “Save” button to save the file.
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ADVANCED
Mark In
Mark Out
Before starting the Videogram compression process by clicking on the “Send” button,
you can set the start and end points of the video by using the Mark In and Mark Out
buttons (shown at left) on the Video Toolbar. Simply find the desired starting point
on the video then click the Mark In button. Find the desired ending point then click
the Mark Out button. Now you can continue with Step Three.
Send Videogram Dialog Box Settings
In the Send Videogram dialog box (see page 56) you have several choices that will
affect compression of the Videogram.
Limit Videogram File size
This allows the user to preset maximum size of the Videogram created for sending
purposes. Given a smaller file size, quality and/or resolution will be compromised to fit
the prescribed file size.
Add Player to Videogram
Check this to create a self-playing, executable (.EXE) Videogram file that can be
viewed by simply clicking on the file. Remove the check to create a Videogram
(.VGM) file that requires the Videogram Player application to view. Choosing to
add the Player adds approximately 110KB to the file size. However, if you are planning
to offer the Videogram as a streaming video file over the World Wide Web (Internet), do
not add the Player, as streaming Videograms require that the Player be installed on the
recipient’s system.
Videograms may only be streamed over the Web (described in Chapter 10) if they
are in .VGM format. Be sure to leave this setting unchecked to create a .VGM file.
Video Type
Select one of these options to further optimize Videogram performance.
❚
Full Motion Video—Select this Type if you are compressing a Videogram that
consists of moving images (like sporting events or anything involving small
children). This also includes hand-held camera work.
❚
Still Image/Slide—Select this Type if you are compressing a Videogram that
consists primarily of still images and slides or video that has very little movement.
Since Videogram Creator evaluates the movement between frames, this type of file
will be smaller and of higher quality.
Video Type
Options
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ADVANCED
Video Quality
Select one of these options to indicate the video color and definition.
Video Quality
Options
❚
High – Creates a Videogram with the MAXIMUM AMOUNT of video information to reproduce the video color and definition. This option provides the least
compression and highest quality.
❚
Medium – Saves video with an ABOVE AVERAGE amount of raw video information to reproduce the video color and definition. This option provides good
compression and good quality which works great for business presentations.
❚
Normal – The recommended setting, providing a GOOD BALANCE of video
quality and compression to reproduce the video color and definition. Optimized
for person to person communications, this setting normally provides very acceptable quality.
❚
Low – Saves video with the MINIMUM AMOUNT of raw video information to
reproduce the video color and definition. This option provides maximum video
compression and produces adequate quality; excellent for casual messages.
❚
Slide – Gives you a still image (160 x 120) that you can narrate for the smallest file
size.
❚
120 x 88 (15fps) & 120 x 88 (7fps) – Gives you the smallest moving Videogram
file, optimal for sending over slower modem speeds.
Selecting High Quality retains most video information and as a result creates larger file
sizes than the lower quality settings. However, lower quality setting produce smaller
files that conserves hard drive space and speeds up video playback.
Audio Type
Select one of these options to indicate the sound optimization.
❚
Generic—This setting saves the maximum amount of information to reproduce a
wide range of sounds and is optimized for music and other demanding audio files.
This setting will cause the file to consume more space on the hard drive.
❚
Speech—This setting saves less information to reproduce sound optimized for
vocal patterns (which require less information than music). This option also
conserves hard drive space.
❚
No Audio—Use this setting if no sound card is installed in system or if you simply
do not want sound saved with the video clip.
Audio Type
Options
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ADVANCED
Audio Quality
Select one of these options to indicate the sound reproduction quality.
Audio Quality
Options
❚
High—Saves video with the MAXIMUM AMOUNT of raw sound information to
reproduce tonal depth and fidelity. This option provides the least compression and
highest quality.
❚
Medium—Saves video with an ABOVE AVERAGE amount of sound information
to reproduce tonal depth and fidelity. This option provides minimal compression
and good quality.
❚
Normal—This is the recommended setting, providing a GOOD BALANCE of raw
sound and compression to reproduce tonal depth and fidelity. This setting
normally provides decent quality.
❚
Low—Saves video with the MINIMUM AMOUNT of raw video information to
reproduce tonal depth and fidelity. This option provides maximum video compression and produces adequate quality.
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Helpful
Hints
for
Sending
Videograms
MIME versus UUencode
These are two electronic mail encoding systems. Different e-mail systems use these two
methods. Microsoft Exchange predominately uses MIME, while CC Mail and Lotus
Notes use UUencode. A Videogram sent in MIME cannot be viewed by someone on a
UUencode e-mail system, and vice-versa. However, most e-mail systems now offer the
choice of sending options (UUencode or MIME). The easiest way to overcome this
obstacle is to ask the person to whom you are sending the e-mail which option they
use before you send.
File Size
Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and corporate systems have maximum file size
limitations that automatically delete larger files. Creating a smaller Videogram will also
reduce the download time if the recipient is retrieving e-mail over a standard telephone
line and modem connection.
The Send Time estimates are approximate. To create a smaller Videogram, change
your options under Video Quality. Selecting “Slide”, “240 x 160 (15fps)” or “240 x
120 (7fps)” during Videogram creation will dramatically reduce the file size. In general,
most files under 300KB to 1MB will get through your typical internet service
provider’s file size limitations.
Sending Videograms Without Attaching The Player
This saves approximately 110KB in file size, which can be significant if the Videogram
itself is small. This is also good strategy if you send a fair amount of Videograms to
one person, since they can install the Player once and view any Videogram file. You
can send them the Player (SETUP32.EXE for Windows 95/98 or SETUP16.EXE for
Windows 3.1x in the Videogram Player folder). Creating Videograms without the
Player will not only save file space, but upload and download times.
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Configuring
E-mail
Programs
as
MAPI-Compliant
Some e-mail programs can be configured as either MAPI-compliant or not. Here are
some instructions on configuring some popular e-mail programs as MAPI-compliant.
Outlook Express (from Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0)
❚
From the menu, select “Tools”, then “Options”. In the “Options” dialog box,
select the checkbox, “Make Outlook Express my default Simple MAPI client”.
Netscape Messenger (from Netscape Communicator 4.5)
❚
From the menu, select “Edit”, then “Preferences”. In the “Preferences” dialog box,
select the checkbox, “Use Netscape Messenger from MAPI-based applications”.
Eudora Pro (versions 3.0 and 4.0)
❚
From the menu, select “Tools”, then “Options”. In the “Options” dialog box,
select the MAPI icon from the Icon list, then select the MAPI setting in the panel on
the right.
Using
Videograms
With
Non-MAPI
Email
Programs
With non-MAPI email programs such as America Online (AOL), you cannot launch
the email program directly from the Videogram Creator application. But you can still
send Videograms using the non-MAPI e-mail program. You simply have to save the
files first. Follow the directions for saving a file, and remember where you save it.
Sending Videograms with non-MAPI E-mail Programs
With non-MAPI compliant e-mail programs, you have to attach a previously-saved
Videogram file to your e-mail message. You simply follow the same process that you
would to attach any file to an e-mail message.
Step by step procedure
1 Create and save the Videogram using Videogram Creator.
2 Start your e-mail program.
3 Click Mail from menu bar and select Compose Mail.
4 Fill in all the information as if you were sending a normal e-mail.
5 Click the Attach icon. Browse and select the Videogram you want to send.
6 Click OK to accept attachment.
7 Click send to transmit your message. At this point, the Videogram will be transferred
to your e-mail file.
8 When the file transfer is done and you receive the message “File Transfer Complete”, the e-mail has been sent.
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Receiving Videograms with a non-MAPI E-mail Program
Typically, once a Videogram is sent to your ISP account, it is stored on the ISP’s
server. When you log onto your service provider, the program will indicate that you
have new mail. Simply download the Videogram the same way you would any other
file you receive by e-mail.
Step by step procedure
1 Start your e-mail program.
2 Click Mail from menu bar and select Read New Mail.
3 You will be notified that this message includes an attachment. Click Download File
to begin downloading the Videogram. At this point, you can specify where the file
should go, otherwise it will probably save to the default location.
4 At the end of download, you can use the Windows Explorer to locate the
Videogram you just downloaded and double-click on it to play (if it’s saved as a
.EXE file), or use the Videogram Player application to open a Videogram saved as a
.VGM file.
Note: Download times are a function of file size, modem speed, and network usage.
Trying to download a large image with high frame rates over a 14.4kbps modem
during prime use times will be a trying experience. Create files that are under 1MB in
size to minimize download times.
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Playing
Videograms
There are two types of Videograms that you can play: self-executing Videograms that
include the Player in the file, and Videograms that require the Player to be installed on
the playing system. Playback for both of these files is described in this chapter. For
best results, both types of Videograms should be played back on a minimum
486DX/2 66 system.
Under
Windows
95/98/NT
You can play Videograms with a built-in Player (.EXE files) under Windows 95/98/NT
in one of two ways:
❚
From “Start”, click on “Programs”, then select “Windows Explorer”. Locate the
Videogram file and double-click on it to begin playing.
❚
From “Start”, click on “Run”, then click the Browse button. Locate the
Videogram file and double-click on it, then click the “OK” button to start playing
the Videogram file.
Under
Windows
3.1x
You can play Videograms with a built-in Player (.EXE files) under Windows 3.1x in
one of two ways:
❚
From “File Manager” in the “Main” group of “Program Manager”, locate and
double-click on the Videogram file.
❚
From the “Program Manager” title bar, click on “File” and “Run”. Use the
Browse button to locate the Videogram file. Double-click on the Videogram file.
Click the “Run” button to start playing the Videogram file.
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PLAYING VIDEOGRAMS
Streaming
Videogram
Player
Playing Non-Executable Videogram Files
These are the Videograms with the file extension .VGM. The Videogram Creator
Application, as described in Chapter 3, will allow Videograms to be created without a
built-in player to further decrease the Videogram’s file size. This is ideal for frequent
Videogram receivers and eliminates wasted hard drive space by only having one
Videogram Player.
You can playback Videogram files without a built-in player (.VGM) under Windows
3.1, Windows 95/98 and Windows NT by using the Videogram Player application. By
double-clicking on the “Videogram Player” icon in the “weeCam” program group
you can launch the Videogram Player Application.
This will launch the Videogram Player Application as shown here:
weeCam Program Group
Clicking on the menu button in the lower left hand corner of the Videogram Player
Streaming Videogram Player
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software will make the following “Application” menu appear:
Menu Button
Streaming Videogram Player Menu
Use the Streaming Videogram Player Menu to access the following functions:
❚
Open File… - Open a Videogram file with .VGM extension to play. This is a
Videogram saved without a built-in player. Simply locate a .VGM file, double-click
on it to open a file to play.
Open File Dialog Box
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PLAYING VIDEOGRAMS
❚
Open URL… - This is the “Uniform Resource Locator” which allows a video to be
streamed and viewed from a network URL address. This will open an Internet
address, provided a streaming Videogram resides there.
Open URL Window
❚
Configure… - Use this to select various playback parameters. It will open the
following “Configure” window.
Configure Dialog Box
w
Skip Frames if behind (checkbox) - By default this is left checked to optimize the
viewing speed and to keep the sound synchronized. When this option is not
checked, all frames will be played back in the Videogram regardless of sound
synchronization.
w
Sound - Use this slider to adjust the playback volume of the Videogram without
affecting the master volume settings of your system.
Skip Frames
Option
Volume
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w
Mute (checkbox) - By default this is left unchecked. When checked, this will
cause the sound to be nonexistent. We recommend that you leave this unchecked to avoid future troubleshooting if your Videograms do not playback
with sound.
w
Size - This displays what the current Videogram size is and allows you to “edit”
what the Videogram will be played back at.
w
Use DCI/Direct Draw if available - We strongly recommend that you leave this
checked. Many newer graphics cards support these video optimization standards and absorb part of the processing requirements that the computer itself
would normally handle.
Mute
Size Settings
DCI/DirectDraw
Option
Sound
Button
❚
View License Agreement - This is the standard License agreement for use of
Videograms.
❚
Help - On-line index for help with the Videogram Player Application.
❚
About Videogram Player - Informs you of version number and copyright.
❚
Move - Moves the Videogram Player window.
❚
Close - Exits the Videogram Player.
You can adjust the sound of your Videogram by clicking on the sound button in the
lower right corner of the Videogram Player window (shown at left). The following
dialog box will appear to adjust Videogram volume and allows you to silence the
sound.
Sound Control
Click on the play button after you have loaded a Videogram to play it back (shown at
left).
Play
Button
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PLAYING VIDEOGRAMS
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Grabbing
Snapshot
Images
One of the great things about the weeCam is that, in addition to capturing video clips,
it also captures single images, or snapshots. Snapshots are great for everything from
wallpaper for the Windows desktop to images for Internet web pages and they’re
extremely easy to grab with the weeCam. Follow the step-by-step instructions in this
Chapter to capture your own snapshots.
Capturing
a
Snapshot
The same adjustments used to improve the quality for video capture work equally as
well for capturing snapshots. All of these video adjustments are described in
Chapter 4. For best results make sure the weeCam is positioned correctly and there’s
plenty of overall lighting (see Chapter 2, Step 5).
Snapshots are captured within the Videogram Creator application. This, of course, is
the same application used to capture video. Launch this application by clicking on the
Videogram Creator application icon in the weeCam program group (Chapter 5
describes this in detail).
To use a still image from another program or one that you have previously saved
(many file types are supported), open the image from the “File” menu, then skip ahead
to Step Three.
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GRABBING SNAPSHOT IMAGES
The following steps reference the “Grab Still” button. It is illustrated in the image
below.
STEP 1: Preview Video
Videogram Creator Application
Live Video
With the weeCam pointing towards the subject, click on the Preview Button. Motion
video should now appear in the Video Window, if it hasn’t already.
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STEP 2: Grab Still
Capturing & Processing Image
Live Video
Watch the motion video carefully for a scene that you would like to capture a snapshot of. Click on the “Grab Still” Button to freeze this image.
Depending on the image size (described in Chapter 4) and system performance
(Chapter 10) this could take a few seconds to a few minutes.
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STEP 3: View the Bit Mapped Image
The Video Window in the Videogram Creator application provides a preview of the
image captured. For closer inspection of the image, you can pull up a separate
window containing your image.
Edit Menu
From the “Edit” menu, click on “View Bitmap” to bring up the Snapshot Inspection
Window. Click the left (or usual) mouse button to zoom in and the right (or secondary) to zoom out.
Snapshot Inspection Window
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STEP 4: Save and Send
This function is identical to the Save and Send function of a motion Videogram as
described in Chapter 5.
Grabbing
Video
Snapshot
Images
from
Pre-Recorded
To use pre-recorded video from your hard disk, go to the “File” menu and select the
open option. Select the directory or folder that contains you AVI file(s) and open the
file of your choice.
Once your file has been selected, use the player control buttons on the “Video
Toolbar” at the bottom of the main screen to review the video and find the scene you
would like to capture. Click the “Grab Still” button to freeze and capture your image.
Picturegram
A Picturegram is a still grab plus voice narration. It can be prepared and sent like a
Videogram except that the size will be a lot smaller. One can create Picturegrams of
sizes up to 640x480 pixels. Sometimes it can be a more effective way to communicate.
Proceed to Chapter 8 for information on how to add a voice-over to your new image
capture. By doing this you can add narration to still images and create Picturegrams.
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8
Adding Narration
& Audio
A great way to enhance any video capture is to add sound. This is not limited to just
video. It is easy to add music or narration to a snapshot as well. This Chapter walks
you through a step-by-step procedure on adding sound to a snapshot or video
capture.
Before starting, a captured video snapshot or image must be visible in the video
window in the main menu of the Videogram Creator program. This will be referred to
as “current video clip”.
Add
Live
Sound
Record Audio or Narration
Recording live sound requires a functioning sound card to be installed (not included).
Sound Toolbar (see Chapter 4 for more detail)
Using the Sound Toolbar ( launched by clicking
), record your narration or sound
and click on the “Back To” button. You may save the recorded sound or narration
as a .WAV file by clicking on “Save...” or click “Replace” to add the live sound to the
current video clip or image.
Clicking “Replace” will erase and overwrite any previously recorded sound in the
current video clip.
Replace/Save Dialog Box
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ADDING NARRATION & AUDIO
Add
1
Pre-Recorded
Sound
STEP 1: Select Insert Audio under the Edit menu
Edit Menu - Videogram Creator Application
2
STEP 2: Select an Audio File to Insert
Open Dialog Box
Select the audio file (.wav) you just recorded, a file previously recorded file, or a file
available from a royalty-free CD-ROM (please do not violate copyright laws by using
copyrighted audio files without permission of the creators or owners). The sound is
now added to your video or snapshot image. Remember to have a video clip or image
in the video window of the Videogram Creator application before starting.
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Using
Videograms
The Videogram Creator application makes it easier than ever to share information.
Capture a picture and send a thousand words or simply send a self-running and
compact Videogram. Join us as we attempt to document a few new ways to share
information.
Sending
with
E-Mails
Family
E-mails have become a part of everyday life for millions of people. Mom’s telling
everybody about the new baby, dad’s sharing information in a new car club. The
whole family is getting into electronic communication and what better way to enhance
this than with a Videogram? Mom could be “showing” the new baby. Dad could be
“showing” his ‘65 Mustang convertible. Videograms are sure to win hearts at
Valentines day and make everyone happy on any holiday.
Salespeople
Land that next sale by sending a Videogram e-mail to your customers. It will separate
you from your competition. It shows that you care enough to “show” people instead
of “tell” them. In today’s high-speed information era there’s no room for ‘almost’.
Videograms also make a great conversation piece and are sure to be remembered.
Business Consultants
Share that great new insight or idea with a Videogram. Concepts are often difficult to
describe in a few sentences. Simply send your prospective client a Videogram, showing
them exactly what you mean. You can even interactively combine voice, face and
drawings or sketches. Plus you can get it to them in minutes, instead of overnight.
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USING VIDEOGRAMS
Training
We never stop learning and what better way to learn than with video. Whether you’re
training sales people on new products or providing an employee with basic information —Videograms will work great. Simply create a Videogram by following the
earlier sections titled “ADDING VIDEOGRAMS TO PRESENTATION SOFTWARE”
or “STAND-ALONE VIDEOGRAM PRESENTATIONS.”
Internet Sites
Liven up otherwise “lifeless” web pages with full-motion video and sound without
having visitors wait to see it. Thanks to the Video & Sound Streaming technology this
is now possible. The video and sound play as they are being captured, or downloaded, by any popular Internet browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape
Navigator, etc.). In other words, “streamed.” You can add Videograms to your web
site by following the step-by-step instructions in Chapter 10 titled “Advanced
Features.”
Using
In
Presentations
Presenters
Video clips created with the Videogram Creator play great within presentation
software packages like Microsoft PowerPoint. Add impact and a sense of immediacy
to your message. Add a Videogram with the President talking and another with a
quick tour of the building.
Adding Videograms To Presentation Software
If you can point and click a mouse, then you can add a video clip to your next
presentation. First you’ll need to make sure your presentation software accepts
standard Microsoft AVI video files. This can easily be done by quickly referencing the
manual, or on-line help, that is provided with your presentation software. Look for
the keywords “Video” or “AVI.” Once you’ve verified that it should work, you’ll
need source material. Open the Videogram Creator application and capture a video
clip but don’t save it as a Videogram. Rather, from the “File” menu click on “Save
As,” type in a filename and click “Save.” Add it to the presentation.
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To locate existing .AVI files on the computer, click on the “Start” button then “Find”
and “Files or Folders.” Type *.AVI in the “Named:” entry box and click the “Find
Now” button. The magnifying glass will spin a few times and identify all the video
files on your system’s C drive (change the “Look in” entry box for another drive).
Stand-Alone Videogram Presentations
You don’t need a fancy presentation software package installed on every system to
enjoy the benefits of video-enhanced presentations. In fact, with a small investment of
time, you can create stand-alone and self-running Videogram presentations. To begin
you’ll need a standard AVI video and sound editing software package (such as the
Asymetrix Digital Video Producer) to import AVI files created using the Videogram
Creator application. After you’re satisfied with your production, save this presentation to a Microsoft standard AVI file on your hard drive. Load this AVI file into the
Videogram Creator application and click on the Videogram Creator “Send” button.
Be sure to check “Add Player to Videogram” and you’ll have a self-running presentation that you can send to anyone.
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USING VIDEOGRAMS
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Advanced
Features
Video
Streaming
Videogram Streaming is basically a standard Internet file download taken one step
further. A standard file download on the Internet may be accomplished by simply clicking
on a link to a file. For example, by clicking on a link to http://www.yoursite.com/file.exe, the
FILE.EXE will be transferred to your hard drive. FILE.EXE may NOT be accessed until
the download is completed. This works fine for most situations but may not be
desirable when the video and sound files are extremely large and will take a considerable amount of time for downloading.
Thanks to the Videogram Player application, streaming Videograms allows Internet
site visitors to watch video and hear sound in real time. For example, by clicking on a
link to the fictional http://www.yoursite.com/vgram.vgx, VGRAM.VGX will “point”
to an actual Videogram file (.VGM) at WWW.YOURSITE.COM and play the
Videogram in real time, while downloading. This .VGX or .VGM file is the step
beyond a standard Internet file download.
Standard Internet File Download
Typically, with your Internet Browser, you click on the video file link, and then wait
while the file is downloaded in its entirety to your hard drive.
With Videogram Streaming
With your Internet Browser, you click on the Videogram Pointer File (.VGX or .VGP)
or the actual .VGM file. The Videogram File (.VGM) Is “Called”, and the video &
sound is sent to your monitor & speakers without saving the file to your hard drive
(you have the option of also saving the file to your hard drive).
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ADVANCED FEATURES
A .VGX file is a standard text file that is used to identify, or “point,” to the location of
where a Videogram file (.VGM) is located. A .VGP file is intended for use ONLY
with the Streaming Videogram Netscape Plug-In. The contents of both a .VGX and
.VGP file will look similar to this:
http://www.yoursite.com/myvgram.vgm
The Streaming Videogram Player can be run as a stand-alone application to play back
any Videogram .VGM files, .VGX and .VGP “pointer files,” including standard
Videograms .EXE. The Videogram Player’s main use is as a Helper Application that is
launched by your browser.
The difference between .VGX and .VGP files are simply that one is used to launch the
stand-alone Streaming Videogram Player (.VGX) and the other is used to launch the
Netscape Plug-In (.VGP).
Adding
Videograms
To
Internet
Sites
Follow the steps below to setup streaming videos on an internet site
1 Set up your web servers to insert the above MIME types on files with extensions of
“VGX”, “VGP” and “VGM” as follows:
type=video/x-videogram
type=video/x-videogram-plugin
ext=vgm,vgx
ext=vgp
2 Create a .VGM Videogram file as described in Chapter 5. This is a Videogram
without the built-in Videogram player.
3 Upload the .VGM file to your Internet site and be sure to note the exact location,
like:
http://www.yoursite.com/myvgram.vgm.
4 Using a standard text editor like Windows Notepad (located in the “Accessories”
group), create a new file containing the location of the .VGM file. For example:
http://www.yoursite.com/myvgram.vgm
Save this file as a standard text file with a .VGX (or .VGP for Netscape Plug-In)
extension. For example:
MYVGX.VGX
(MYVGP.VGP for Netscape Plug-In)
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5 Upload the .VGX (or .VGP) file to your Internet site, where your Internet page
(.HTM) files are located, and be sure to note the exact location, like:
http://www.yoursite.com/myvgx.vgx.
6 Edit one of your Internet pages (.HTM) to include a link to the .VGX (or .VGP)
file by adding a line similar to:
<a href=”http://www.yoursite.com/myvgx.vgx”>My Videogram File
Optimizing
System
for
Video
Capture
&
Playback
There are a couple of tricks to turning your computer into an optimized videocapturing & playing system. We’ve documented a few here in order to help you get
the most out of your new weeCam.
Video Capture Optimization
The weeCam capture system offers hardware compression in addition to software
compression. However, even with hardware compression, the amount of data that
needs to be stored during video capture is still very large. Below we have outlined the
flow of video through the system and areas that will affect the system’s ability to
process it.
What Happens When Capturing Video
This is an outline of the weeCam capture process.
1 weeCam Sends Video to Computer’s Parallel Port
2 Computer’s Processor Directs Video to Hard Drive Controller or RAM (if
available)
3 Hard Drive Controller Routes Video to Hard Drive
As you may have noticed, the system’s parallel port, processor speed, hard disk
controller, hard disk and RAM are key factors in video capture. These all combine to
determine the video frame rate per second. An “Optimum System Configuration”
was detailed at the beginning of this manual in Chapter 1 titled “Before you Begin.”
This was used as our general reference system when testing the weeCam. The “Minimum System Configuration,” also in Chapter 1, was our low-end reference system.
The video worked well on both, however, the “Optimum System Configuration”
captured at a higher video frame rate.
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ADVANCED FEATURES
Parallel Port Recommendations
The parallel port is the first contact a computer system has with the video information
using the weeCam. You can have the fastest hard drive, hard drive controller,
computer processor and RAM and still not see an improvement in video capture if the
video originated at a slow Parallel Port. We strongly recommend that you use a fast
parallel port connection when optimizing a system for video capture.
At the time this manual was created, there are 3 common types of parallel ports
available in systems— Uni-directional, Bi-directional and the one we strongly recommend, ECP. Some systems have the ability to offer multiple parallel port options
through the system’s Bios Setup. Here an advanced computer user can tell the system
that the on-board (built into motherboard) parallel port to utilize the ECP standard
instead of Uni-directional or Bi-directional. It should also be noted that some systems
do not have an on-board parallel port, rather they have a separate card that occupies
a slot in the system. In which case, it may be advantageous to upgrade the system to
one with an ECP parallel port. This could be done with a stand-alone card (preferably
PCI based) or new motherboard.
Processor, Hard Disk & Controller Recommendations
After the video passes through the parallel port it is handled by the system processor
and forwarded to the hard disk and controller. All of today’s multimedia applications
require fast processors. We recommend using at least a Pentium 100 when working
with video or any multimedia applications. The hard disk and hard disk controller will
provide for additional frame rate capture ability over just using an ECP parallel port
(described earlier). Before you buy your next “Video” hard drive, contact the
prospective hard drive manufacturers and tell them to give you the SUSTAINED
DATA TRANSFER RATE for the hard drive. The higher the value in megabytes, the
better your video and audio capture performance will be.
Most of today’s hard disks and controllers are compatible with ATA mode 3 or 4.
ATA mode 3 implies a transfer rate of 11MB/second and ATA mode 4 implies a
transfer rate of 16MB/second. HOWEVER, THIS ONLY REFLECTS THE TRANSFER RATE TO AND FROM THE HARD DISK BUFFER (AKA: CACHE) AND
DOES NOT INDICATE THE ACTUAL SUSTAINED DATA TRANSFER RATE.
Simply stated, the sustained data transfer rate is what information transfer is maintained 100% of the time. Very few hard drive manufactures even list the sustained
data transfer rate in their specifications. This is probably because it’s more impressive
to say that they have a 16MB/second transfer rate instead of less than 1MB/second
sustained.
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Disable the system’s WRITE CACHE. This will improve the capture performance. In
addition, your system’s WRITE CACHE settings may need to be adjusted if you are
using a fast system with a fast hard drive and hard drive controller. More specifically,
you may try disabling the write cache altogether in the operating system bios and hard
drive controller setup. In most other situations write cache is desirable, however,
when capturing video this buffer is not large enough and only inhibits video transfer
to the hard drive by writing information later and then trying to catch up later.
De-fragment your hard drive often to optimize video/sound capture performance. Do
you already have a fast hard drive and controller? There is a way to further optimize
your hard drive performance. It’s called de-fragmenting your hard drive. There is a
hard disk de-fragment utility built into Windows 95/98/NT and a number of system
“first aid” software packages contain this as well. De-fragmenting your hard drive
will keep all the video in one location, this way the hard drive doesn’t spend all of its
time looking for a place to put video during capture.
Video Playback Optimization
Video files, in general, play better on newer multimedia computer systems and
Videograms run better than standard video files, thanks to video compression. Our
first recommendation when playing back video is to make sure you’re playing back
Videograms which can be self-running (.EXE) or (.VGM). For further optimization
we’ll need to look at the computer system again. As with video capture, playing video
requires the video information to flow through the computer system (shown below).
When Playing Back Video
The following is an outline of the video playback process
1 Computer’s Processor Requests Video from Hard Drive Controller
2 Hard Drive Controller Requests Video from Hard Drive
3 Hard Drive Sends Video to Hard Drive Controller
4 Hard Drive Controller Sends Video through System Bus to the video card
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ADVANCED FEATURES
System Recommendations
Increase your Windows display resolution from 256 colors to 64,000 or 16.7 million
colors to greatly enhance video viewing.
In general, we recommend that you use a Pentium 90 or faster computer with a
Hicolor (64,000 color, 16-bits per pixel) or Truecolor (16.7 million color, 24-bits per
pixel) display to view Videograms. Videograms will play on slower systems and on
displays with 256 colors but playback quality may suffer. Please refer to the manual
that came with your display or graphics adapter (VGA card) for more information
regarding color display setup.
Your computer’s processor, hard drive, hard drive controller, display adapter and
amount of system RAM all play a key role in assisting the playback of Videograms.
The Videogram player will run better if any of the following hardware or software are
installed on your system. Each of these items are detected by the Videogram player and
will be utilized during playback. More information can be found in the previous
section,”Video Capture Optimization”on each of these items. The requirements for
video capture and playback are very similar.
❚
Faster CPU (recommend Pentium 90 or faster)
❚
Windows 95/98 - performance is better on HD access and video display
❚
Fast Hard Drive and Controller
❚
Display adapter that provides DCI support in Windows 3.x
❚
Display adapter that provides DirectDraw support in Windows 95/98/NT
In systems where memory is at minimum levels (4MB for Windows 3.x, 8MB for
Windows 95/98, 16MB for Windows NT), adding more memory will enhance video
playback performance.
Check your graphics card documentation or with the manufacturer if you are unsure
whether your graphics card will support DCI and DirectDraw.
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Graphics Card Recommendations
Before you buy your next graphics adapter make sure it supports DCI, DirectDraw or
a similar standard. This will enhance overall system performance.
Your system’s graphics or display adapter (VGA Card) plays an important role in the
capturing process. If the graphics adapter does not support DCI (Intel/Microsoft
standard: Direct Control Interface) or DirectDraw (Microsoft Standard) then your
system’s processor will have an additional amount of processing to handle. The
advantage to DCI and DirectDraw is that they pull routine video graphics processing
away from the system processor to free it up for more important tasks – like capturing
and playing back video.
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ADVANCED FEATURES
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Fr e q u e n t l y
Asked
Questions
Q. What is a Videogram?
A Videogram is a file containing highly compressed video and audio. A Videogram
typically will include the player so that any Windows PC user can play the file back on
their computer. With Videogram technology, you can fit over 60 seconds of video and
audio on a single 3.5 inch floppy, so, for the first time you can deliver high-quality
video on a floppy, through e-mail, or over the Internet.
Q. What are the system requirements to make a Videogram using weeCam?
System Requirements:
Minimum
Optimal
w
w
w
w
w
Pentium 100
16MB
Windows 95/98/NT
CD ROM
20 MB free hard disk space
w
w
w
w
w
w
Sound card or sound capability
Pentium 200
32MB
Same
Same
40 MB or more free disk space for
captured video
w Sound card or multimedia kit
Q. Will I have to pay any royalties for distributing the Videogram Player or for
Videograms that I have created with the weeCam?
No. There is no charge for users to re-distribute the Videogram Player as long as it is
part of a Videogram or any Videogram created with the weeCam.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What kind of PC do I need to play back a Videogram?
Videograms were designed to run on any 486 DX4 or above PC with Windows 3.1x,
Windows 95/98 or Windows NT (even OS/2) without any special hardware or
software. Users with higher performance PCs will enjoy better quality during playback.
Q. What do I need to create a Videogram?
You will need the weeCam and Videogram Creator software. Both products are
included with your purchase.
Q. What are the minimum system requirements for using the weeCam?
You will need a minimum of a Pentium 100 Windows 95/98/NT PC or notebook.
You must have an ECP or bi-directional parallel port to connect the weeCam. On your
notebook, you will need to have a PS/2 mouse port or or standard AT keyboard
connector to power the weeCam. To record and play back sound, you need to have a
sound card or sound recording capability. You will also need at least 16MB of RAM
and 23MB of free disk space (substantially more of each is recommended).
Q. Do I need a Pentium computer to play a Videogram?
No. Videograms will play back even on 486 machines. All you need is Windows 3.1x
and a sound card with speakers to listen to the audio. Users with higher performance
computers will get better quality during playback.
Q. Will the Videogram play on my Macintosh?
Not currently. A Player for the Macintosh is under evaluation.
Q. Do I need to have a sound card to use the weeCam?
No. You can capture video without a sound card, however, you will not capture audio.
To capture audio with the video and playback sound, you will need a sound card.
Q. What type of compression does the weeCam use, and will that affect my video
conferencing software?
weeCam supports three types of input data: YUV 422, YUV 9 and VGPixel. The
VGPixel codec delivers the highest compression, which allows for higher frame rates
during capture.
weeCam will work with any video conferencing software that supports Video for
Windows without interference because weeCam is compliant with Video for Windows.
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Q. Will others be able to use AVI files that I create from captured Video?
Yes. Just save the AVI file in an uncompressed format by going to: “FILE” and
selecting “SAVE AS.”
Q. Can I use weeCam with my laptop or notebook computer?
weeCam is actually one of the few video capture systems that you can use with laptop
and notebook computers, if your computer has a PS/2 mouse port. Because it plugs
into the parallel port, you don’t need to open the computer to use it. Simply attach the
weeCam’s parallel port cable to your laptop, then plug the power connector into the
external mouse port (PS/2 or mini-DIN connector). You can even work completely off
battery power, making weeCam the one video system you can use anywhere.
Q. My notebook computer has no audio input capability. Will weeCam still work, and
how will I get audio into my Videograms?
You can still capture video without the audio. You can add audio later if you have an
audio track that you want to play with the video taken. weeCam supports audio
dubbing or the replacement of existing audio track with new audio.
Q. What is MAPI and do I need a MAPI compliant e-mail system to use weeCam?
MAPI stands for Messaging Application Programming Interface. This interface allows
different applications to interact using e-mail messaging. If you have a MAPI-compliant e-mail system, an e-mail window will automatically appear when you are ready to
send a Videogram. Netscape Messenger (from Netscape Communicator 4.5), Outlook
Express (from Internet Explorer 4 and 5), Outlook 97, 98, Microsoft Exchange 5.0,
and Eudora Pro 3.0, 4.0 are all examples of MAPI Compliant e-mail systems.
You do not need to have a MAPI-compliant e-mail system in order to send
Videograms. You can still send Videograms by first saving the Videogram to a file,
and then attaching the saved file to your e-mail message. Netscape 3.0, Internet
Explorer 3.0, and America Online (AOL) are all examples of non-MAPI-compliant email systems.
Q. Does weeCam work with America Online (AOL)?
Yes. In order to send a Videogram with AOL you will need to save your Videogram in
a file, launch the e-mail system separately and send the Videogram as an e-mail
attachment.
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Q. Will weeCam work with an EPP parallel port?
Not currently. The parallel port must be either configured in ECP or Bi-directional
mode. Refer to your systems users manual or documentation to find out how to
configure your system to ECP or Bi-directional mode.
Q. What types of parallel ports are supported by weeCam?
weeCam supports both ECP (recommended) and Bi-directional parallel port configurations.
Q. What is ECP?
There are several ways that data can be transmitted via the parallel port. Currently
three are most often employed – EPP, Bi-directional, and ECP. ECP (Enhanced
Capability Port) is the most current configuration. weeCam supports both ECP and
Bi-directional modes.
Q. What is a VGM file?
A file with a “.VGM” extension is a Videogram without the embedded Videogram
Player. These files are created for distribution to those who already have a Videogram
Player. The current embedded Videogram Player requires around 110KB of storage,
creating a Videogram without the player will save this storage. In order to play a
.VGM file, the user will need to download the approximately 400KB Videogram
Player (or it can be attached in an e-mail). A .VGM file can be created using the
Videogram Creator application and choosing not to include the Player when creating a
Videogram.
Q. How do I save video captured using weeCam to an AVI or MOV file?
Any video that has been captured with weeCam can be saved as an uncompressed AVI
file. Under “FILE” click on “Save As” and then choose AVI format. Currently, MOV
(QuickTime) files are not supported directly by the Videogram Creator software.
However, you can bring a file captured using weeCam into an application such as
Adobe Premiere and save it as a QuickTime MOV file.
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Q. Can I make a Videogram that will run at 30 frames per second? Do I need 30 fps?
You can capture video using the weeCam at 320x240 resolution and 30 frames per
second. However, these high-resolution, high frame-rate videos become very large files.
Due to the size of larger format files, a standard of 160x120 at 15 frames per second
has been adopted by most distributors of video on the World Wide Web. Compared
to a video at 320x240 and 30 fps, the lower resolution file contains 8 times less data
in its uncompressed form.
Although 30 frames (and 60 interlaced fields) per second is the standard for broadcast
NTSC video and television, other frame rates have been successfully used in other
mediums. For example, movies shot on film record at 24 frames per second, and in
Europe, the PAL and SECAM standards specify 25 frames (and 50 fields) per second.
The usual compromise between accurate display of full motion video and file size is 15
frames per second.
As communication bandwidth, storage capacity and compression technology advance,
the standard for video distribution in electronic form may move to higher resolutions
and higher frame rates. For the time being, a higher resolution of 320x240 is more
likely the next advance rather than increasing the frame rate above 15 fps. The
advantages of the higher resolution probably outweigh the greater motion tracking of
an increased frame rate.
Q. What is the real difference between 15 and 30 frames per second? Are there certain
applications where 30 fps would be required?
The difference between 15 frames per second (fps) and 30 fps is how much motion will
be captured and conveyed when the video is played back (this affects the apparent
smoothness of motion). The file size will also be affected since there will be twice as
much data at 30 fps. Most video providers over the web have standardized on 15 fps
(some use video captured at even lower frame rates - 8, 10 or 12 fps) recognizing that
15 fps gives a very good representation of motion (as can be seen in the Videograms
we have posted on our web site).
We have found that for most applications, 15 fps is sufficient but we recognize that
there will be certain situations where 30 fps is required. This may include situations
where smooth continuous motion is absolutely needed. That is why the weeCam
supports 30 fps capture and the Videogram Creator and Player support 30 fps
playback. Users should recognize that file sizes will be much larger, and without an
extremely fast computer, performance will be most likely degraded during playback.
This degradation during playback can result in dropped frames and even a loss of
synchronization (sync) between audio and video. This is often seen as more disturbing
to the viewer than a lower frame rate.
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Q. How long does it take to compress a file into a Videogram?
Most of the work in creating a Videogram is performed by the host processor. So the
time required to create a Videogram will depend on the system CPU speed and the
amount of memory (RAM). In some cases, the hard disk performance will also have
an impact. Typically, it will take between 3 and 5 times the duration of the actual video
clip to create a Videogram on a Pentium system running at 90 MHz. The exact time
will depend on how much activity is contained in the video clip and the audio and
video codec chosen for the compression.
Q. Will a faster system shorten the time required to make a Videogram?
Yes. See above.
Q. Will a faster system improve video capture quality?
If the weeCam is used in a Pentium 200 system, you should be able to capture video
without problems up to 320x240 resolution. When using a slower machine there is
the possibility that your system will drop frames during video capture (if the system is
not fast enough to transfer the captured data to your hard disk, frames will be
dropped from the video stream). The components in the system that will affect
whether frames are dropped are CPU/system bus speed, amount of system memory,
and hard disk performance.
We recommend a 200 MHz Pentium with at least 32 MB of memory and a fast hard
disk drive. Hard disk drive performance is measured by data transfer rate and seek
time. A larger data cache in the hard disk will not help with a large stream of video
data. In general, SCSI hard disks will perform better due to the faster data transfer
rates of the SCSI interface. SCSI drives are typically faster in seek times as well. For our
own video capture systems, we use 1 GB or larger drives with data transfer rates of at
least 11 MB/second (ATA Mode 3) and seek times of 14 ms or less.
In general, we recommend that you have a display with at least 256 colors and
preferably 64K colors minimum. Videogram Creator will work on systems even with
16 colors but the quality will be very poor since the original data was compressed
from 16 million colors. Videograms created on systems displaying less than 64K
colors will appear to have more compression artifacts due to the compression of
colors necessary to reduce 16 million colors down to 64K.
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Q. Does the recipient of a Videogram need to have a multimedia kit, or a sound card and
speakers, to play it back?
Yes, in order to hear the audio portion of the Videogram. Without a sound card and
speakers, the audio cannot be played back. The video, however, will run normally.
In general, we recommend that a recipient have at least a display with 256 colors and
preferably 64K colors minimum. The Videogram will play on systems even with 16
colors but the quality will be very poor since the original data was compressed from
16 million colors. In systems with 256 colors or less, additional work must be done to
map the colors to the limited set. This will slow down playback and cause more frames
to be dropped.
Q. What are the parameters you can adjust when creating a Videogram?
You can adjust the resolution of the Videogram, the audio and video codecs used for
compression and the quality level of the compression. You can trim the beginning and
ending points of the video clip, and you can also specify the title (appears in the title
bar during playback) of the Videogram.
Q. Can I capture using an editing program, such as Adobe Premiere? How do I do this?
Yes. You can capture video directly from Adobe Premiere. You can also capture video
using Videogram Creator and save it to an AVI file using the Save As command in the
File Menu. Adobe Premiere can then read the AVI file.
Q. In what formats can I save video clips captured with the weeCam?
weeCam captures video in a standard AVI format. Only after the captured video has
been compressed into a Videogram is the file saved as an ‘.EXE’ or ‘.VGM’. The
captured video can also be saved as an AVI file.
Q. Can I use a weeCam product to capture a still frame from video?
weeCam does support still frame capture. Audio can be recorded to be inserted as the
audio track associated with the still frame or to replace existing audio track in a video
clip.
Q. Can I use the weeCam to capture audio?
With weeCam, you need to use the sound capture capabilities of your computer
system. You can use the recorded audio to replace the audio track in a video clip or
to narrate a still frame.
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Q. How does Videogram compression compare to QuickTime?
QuickTime is a file format standard for video and audio first used on the Macintosh.
QuickTime movies typically have an extension of MOV on a PC and are similar to
Video for Windows files (which have an AVI extension). Both file formats support
different video and audio codecs including Indeo and Cinepak. When comparing
compression ratios, users should compare the VGPixel codec to Indeo, Cinepak,
MPEG, Microsoft Video, or any others. In general the codecs are 2 to 3 times more
efficient in both audio and video compression.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications
Features
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
640 x 480 pixel resolution color
CMOS sensor
Fast f/2.0 aperture, 4.8 mm lens with
48 degree view
Variable focus lens with focus range of
1/2 inch to infinity
Auto brightness and hue controls
Software control of saturation, white
and black levels
Video input to any Windows 95/98/
NT PC with a Bi-directional Parallel
Port
Live video preview and capture at up
to 16.7 million colors
Supports video resolutions of 320 x
240, 240 x 180 and 160 x 120
Video capture frame rates to 30 frames
per second
24 bit still image capture at resolutions
Minimum
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
System
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
of 1600x1200, 1024x768,
640x480, 320x240
6 foot Parallel Port connection cable
with separate pass through keyboard power adapter – no external
power adapter required
Designed to sit on top of monitor
Non-slip weighted base for easy
aiming and focus adjustments
Standard tripod mount
Video for Windows driver works
with popular editing and video
conferencing software
Real time video compression
hardware supporting proprietary
VGPixel video compression algorithm
IEEE1284 level 2 compliant with
Nibble and ECP support
Requirements*
Windows 95/98/NT
Pentium 100 or faster PC
Bi-directional Parallel Port (ECP
Parallel Port for optimal performance)
16 MB or more RAM
AT keyboard or PS/2 mouse/keyboard
port for use with weeCam power
adapter (keyboard or mouse plugs
❚
❚
❚
into the power adapter provided)
20 MB free hard disk space (video files
may require more disk space)
CD-ROM drive for application
software and drivers
Sound card and speakers are recommended
* See Chapter 1 for optimum system configuration
NOTE: This product is not MAC compatible
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Bundled
Software
Videogram Creator
❚
❚
❚
Capture full motion video and high
resolution still images
Create and send video email
True 32-Bit Application designed for
Windows 95/98/NT
Input
❚
640 x 480 pixel resolution CMOS sensor camera
Capture
❚
❚
❚
Format
Captured
Video
and
Image
Format
Standard Microsoft Video File (.AVI)
Standard Microsoft Image File (.BMP)
JPEG Image File (.JPG)
TIFF Image File (.TIF)
PCX Image file (.PCX)
Self-Playing Videogram (.EXE)
Stand-Alone Videogram (.VGM)
Input
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
Audio
Standard Microsoft Sound File (.WAV)
Output
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
❚
Format
YUV 4:2:2
YUV 9
VGPIXEL (Proprietary Algorithm)
Capture
❚
Video
Video
and
Image
Format
Standard Microsoft Video File (.AVI)
Standard Microsoft Image File (.BMP)
JPEG Image File (.JPG)
TIFF Image File (.TIF)
PCX Image file (.PCX)
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A p p e n d i x
A
Video
Compression
Te c h n o l o g y
There are two distinct areas of concentration in the development of the weeCam
technology: video compression and playback.
Video
Compression
R&D efforts resulted in the development of a number of codecs, thus the development
of the weeCam. It is this development that has enabled the video compression ratios
that provide compact video files.
Video Capture Codec
VGPixel
This codec is embedded in the weeCam ASIC and provides the
capture and dynamic compression of video at frame rates of up to
30 fps. Whereas other capture systems require additional hardware
to perform this task, the VGPixel codec enables compression and
host decompression without this extraneous element. Host playback of the compressed video is accomplished merely through the
host CPU without any hardware assist.
Video Delivery Codecs - For Videogram and Picturegram Creation
VGMotion
A dynamically adjustable video compression codec that yields 2 to 3
times the compression ratio when compared to Indeo, Cinepak or
MPEG.
VGImage
An optimized codec for static images and videos containing close to
static elements
User
Guide
101
VIDEO COMPRESSION TECHNOLOGY
Speech and Audio Codecs - Synergistic Compression Elements
TELP
A high quality speech compression engine that has the capability of
dynamically switching data rates in the normal range of speech (2k
bps to 9.6 kbps) providing the highest quality of capture and
compression of the human voice. This algorithm yields a maximum
compression ratio of 40:1.
MUZIP
Developed for full spectrum audio, such as music and special effects,
this codec offers 15:1 compression ratio when compared with
ADPCM’s 4:1 ratio.
Compression Technology Comparison
See the table below for a comparison between the Videogram compression technology
and current industry standard devices.
Original clip used:
Movie trailer Eraser starring Arnold Schwarzneger
Length is 2 minutes 4.9 seconds (1871 frames total)
Capture Settings:
15 fps, resolution is 160 by 120, color is YUY2 format
Audio captured using AD PCM at 11khz, 16 bit, mono
PC used in benchmark:
Pentium 90 with 32MB memory
Compression setting used:
All compression tests done with (1) 50% quality level
(2) no key frames (3) 150KB/sec or faster data rate
** Compression setting used: Video compression : VGMotion ; Audio Compression: MUZIP 8:1
1
extremely pixelated and poor
102
weeCam
A p p e n d i x
Player
A
Technology
The technology that completes the Videogram cycle is Videogram Player technology.
The embeddable player is only 110K in size and has the ability to query the recipient’s
system to determine if it has the necessary attributes to “play” a Videogram or
Picturegram (eg., full motion video, audio). The compactness of the Player allows a
Videogram message to contain more information, which contributes to the Videogram
playback. This playback can be done without any special hardware or software
residing in the message recipient’s system. Following are the main features of the
Player technology.
❚
The Player is embedded in the Videogram or Picturegram
❚
No pre-installation required for playback
❚
Self playing - no special hardware or software required by recipient
❚
Self extracting - no installation necessary
❚
Intelligent - adapts to different host PC system resources
❚
Runs as Windows applet, not memory resident
With the Videogram Streaming Player, any Videogram can be produced in a real-time
streaming mode. This enables the quick and easy distribution of video from any web
site to the recipient, without any additional cost.
User
Guide
103
VIDEO COMPRESSION TECHNOLOGY
Applications
The weeCam/Videogram Creator product is a horizontal tool upon which countless
applications can be built. The following examples are indicative of the broad market
spectrum that Videograms can address:
❚
Videogram - video E-mail
w Send video of kids to grandma
w Happy birthday greetings
❚
Picturegram - picture E-mail
w Selling articles on the web
w Enhancing a still image with voice or audio
❚
Video Conferencing
❚
Web Video Streaming
❚
Telemarketing/Sales Calls
❚
And thousands more...
w Video Greeting Cards
w Multimedia Albums
w Virtual Shopping mall
w Video Press Releases/Product Announcements
In
Summary
The weeCam offers PC users the ability to bring full-motion video into their PCs
without acquiring unique or specialized skills, which allows communication to occur
with electronic video messages that are simple and fun to produce and distribute.
104
weeCam
G l o s s a r y
Glossar y
O f Te r m s
Active Video Area—The section, or region, of the application that displays live motion
video.
Aspect Ratio—The ratio of the width compared to the height. For example, a
standard television has a 4 to 3 aspect ratio (for every 4 pixels of width there are 3
pixels for height).
AVI—The Microsoft standard file format for combined video and sound files on the
PC. This is part of Video for Windows.
BMP—Often referred to as “Bitmap,” this is the Microsoft standard PC file format
for images.
Codec—This is used to reference a compression format for creating sound and video
streams on the computer.
Composite—Often referred to as an “RCA” adapter, or plug, this is a standard
connector type used on many VCRs, TVs, camcorders and other video and sound
equipment.
Compression—Term used to describe a process of compacting or squeezing video and
sound information into a smaller than normal size. For example, 2 to 1 compression
would indicate that 2 pixels would now only occupy the space of 1 pixel.
DCI—“Direct Control Interface” was developed primarily by Intel and Microsoft to
help develop a common standard for the passing of video information in the PC.
DirectDraw—The latest standard developed primarily by Microsoft to help develop a
common method for the passing of video information in the PC.
EXE—Often referred to as “Executable,” this is the standard file format for programs
on the PC.
User
Guide
105
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Frame—A single image in a video stream.
Frame Rate—Typically judged in seconds (fps, frames per second), this refers to the
number of single images that will be displayed or captured in a video stream.
Pixel—The smallest square or round element in an image. These are the “building
blocks” that when alone are only one color, but when combined with others form
complete images.
Playback Window—The window within the Videogram Creator Application that is
used to display previously captured video.
Preview Window—The window within the Videogram Creator Application that is used
to display live, or moving, video.
RCA Connector—Often referred to as an “Composite” adapter, or connector, this is a
standard connector type used on many VCRs, TVs, camcorders and other video and
sound equipment.
Resolution—Typically used in the context of pixels, this is used to describe overall
video size. This is relative to quality in that the higher the resolution, the better the
quality and the more pixels.
S-Video-Also referred to as “S-VHS,” “HI-8,” “Y-C” and “Super Video,” this is a
connector—found on higher-end consumer video equipment—that separates brightness and color information. This is literally double the quality of composite video. In
addition, this standard eliminates color bleeding in video.
Video for Windows—Developed by Microsoft, this is a standard for displaying video
on the Windows desktop. Window’s 95 has this built in, however, this must be
installed separately on Windows 3.1 and 3.11.
Video Stream—A collection of images that combine to form motion–or moving–
pictures (also known as movies or video clips).
Warranty Card—An extremely important card that needs to be sent back to activate
your 1-year warranty.
106
weeCam
I n d e x
Index
Videogram Capture 85
Write Cache 87
A
weeCam Group
Read Me 32
Uninstall Videogram Creator 32
Videogram Creator 32
F
Frequently Asked Questions 91
I
Images
Capturing 71
Installation 23
Hardware 24
Connection to Keyboard Port 26
Optional Sound Connections 28
Parallel Port 24
Software 29
Internet
MIME Types 84
Streaming Video 83
O
Optimizing System 85
Graphics Card 89
Hard Disk & Controller 86
Parallel Port 86
Processor 86
System Recommendations 88
Video Capture 85
Video Playback 87
User
Guide
P
Package Contents
Keyboard Power Adapters 19
Quick Start Guide 20
Warranty Card 20
Playing Videograms 65
Windows 3.1x 65
Windows 95 65
S
Safety Information 22
Saving & Sending Videograms 57
Audio Quality Options 61
Audio Type Options 60
Save As Dialog Box 58
Video Quality Options 60
Video Type Options 59
Snapshots 71
Capturing 71
Grab Still Button 72
Inspection Window 74
Saving and Sending 74
Sound
Adding Narration & Audio 77
.WAV Files 78
Live 77
Pre-Recorded 78
107
INDEX
Replace/Save Dialog Box 77
Specifications 99
Bundled Software 100
Capture Audio Format 100
Capture Video Format 100
Features 99
Input 100
Minimum System Requirements 99
Output Captured Video and Image
Format 100
Streaming Videogram Player 66
DCI/DirectDraw Support 69
Launching 66
Menu 67
Configure 68
Open File 67
Open URL 68
Mute 69
Play Button 69
Program Group 66
Size Control 69
Volume Control 68
Support 15
Symbols
Hint 5
Important 5
Vital Setting 5
Warning 5
System Requirements 21
Minimum 21
Optimum 21
Internet Streaming 83
Preview 54
Record & Play 55
Videograms 53
Videogram Creator Interface
.VGM Video Files 53
Launching 35
Main Window 48
Edit Menu 48
File Menu 48
Help Menu 51
Sound Toolbar 52
Tools Menu 51
Video Toolbar 51
Settings Control Panel 37
Format Options 38
Frame Rate 43
Hue Setting 40, 42
Image Size Options 47
Quality Setting 47
Saturation Setting 40, 42
Size Options 39
Sound Adjustments 45
Subject 47
Wave Input Device Error 36
Videograms
Applications 79
Using 79
Internet Sites 80
Presentations 80
V
Video
.AVI Files 53
.EXE Video Files 53
Capturing 53
Count Down 55
Preview Button 54
Record/Play Button 55
Save/Send Button 57
108
weeCam

weeCam - DriverAgent

Transcription

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